Members of Kitty Hawk Baptist Church have launched a GoFundMe account to help the family of longtime pastor Donald Teears, who was killed in a Monday afternoon motorcycle crash on U.S. 158.
“A spiritual leader for many, family to some, and friend to all,” the fundraiser reads. “Please support Kitty Hawk Baptist Church in raising funds to relieve the financial burden left for Jill Teears so she can focus on spiritual and moral support of their three sons and nephews during this time of grief.”
Police say a vehicle driven by 88-year-old Paul C. Muick of Kitty Hawk crossed the center line in the 5200 Block of North Croatan Highway about 1 p.m. Sept. 23 and collided with Teears’ motorcycle.
“Dare County first responders worked tirelessly to save Mr. Teears, unfortunately he succumbed to the injuries he received from the crash at the scene,” Kitty Hawk police Chief Joel Johnson said in an email.
Muick suffered minor injuries, and was treated and released at the scene by emergency personnel. Alcohol or impairment was not a contributing factor in the cause of the crash, Johnson said.
Muick has been charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and driving left of center, the chief said.
“The Kitty Hawk Police Department would like for everyone to keep the family of Mr. Teears in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” Johnson said.
Teears, 61, was originally from the Cherry Hill, New Jersey area. He had been pastor at Kitty Hawk Baptist Church since 2005 and also volunteered as a chaplain with the Kitty Hawk Fire Department and Dare County EMS.
He leaves behind Jill, his wife of nearly four decades; three sons, his mother, two brothers, as well as many other family members and friends, according to an obituary notice from Gallop Funeral Services, Inc.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 5 at noon at Holy Redeemer By the Sea Catholic Church in Kitty Hawk. Don will be laid to rest in upstate New York in the near future.
