By BC News Staff Writer
Hallsboro, NC — A Columbus County Sheriff’s deputy was killed in the line of duty on the morning of June 25, 2026, while providing traffic control on U.S. Highway 74/76.
Deputy Damian Draper Bost, 30, was on stationary patrol near the Hallsboro Road exit, positioned in the median with his vehicle’s emergency lights activated to warn motorists of an active construction and repaving zone.
At approximately 10:40 a.m., his patrol vehicle was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer traveling in the westbound lane. A construction worker at the scene also sustained injuries during the collision. Deputy Bost was transported to Columbus Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Deputy Bost was an 8 year veteran of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.
He was widely recognized for his dedication to community policing, having served as a School Resource Officer and an active member of the DARE program,
He is remembered by the community for his dedication to his career, his mentorship and gentle character. Draper leaves behind his wife, two young children, parents and brother. Sheriff Bill Rogers said Bost enjoyed life, was a family man and was fun to be around.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, David Samuel McPherson, 33, of Clarkton, has been taken into custody. McPherson is being held at the Columbus County Detention Center on a $100,000 secured bond, facing charges of misdemeanor death by vehicle, reckless driving, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash.
Local agencies, including the Brunswick and Robeson County Sheriff’s Offices, have stepped in to assist with patrol duties while the department mourns. On the afternoon of June 25, multiple law enforcement agencies escorted the deputy’s body to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an official determination of the cause of death.
The public can view official memorial details regarding Deputy Bost’s service on the Officer Down Memorial Page.
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