A Roanoke Rapids man died Sunday following a crash on Highway 48 near Lonnie B. Green Road, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

First Sergeant Lavern Bynum said a 17-year-old was charged with failure to reduce speed and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle in the crash that claimed the life of 80-year-old Richard McCrae Odom.

Odom was traveling south on Highway 48 around 5:30 p.m. when the vehicle he was driving was struck in the rear as he was making a left turn, Bynum said, citing a preliminary report by Trooper S.J. Taylor. Odom’s vehicle was pushed into the path of a southbound vehicle, causing a collision.

Odom was transported to a medical facility and later succumbed to his injuries.

American Legion Post 38 noted in a Facebook post that Odom was a United States Air Force veteran who served from 1967 to 1971. He was active in the post for eight consecutive years, serving as sergeant at arms. He also volunteered for projects involving woodworking and metalworking skills; he created the flag retirement drop box at the front door as well as many of the wooden signs and Legion logos.

“Because of veterans like Rich, our lives are free. Because of them, our nation lives. Because of them, the world is a better place,” the Facebook post said. 

Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service noted in his obituary Tuesday that arrangements are pending.