North Carolina – Jean Benson Exima, a prominent figure in the Haitian community of Matenwa, tragically passed away in a car accident in North Carolina on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
The fatal crash occurred on North Carolina Highway 711, claiming the lives of seven people, including Exima, who was 35 years old.
Exima had recently moved to the United States after a lengthy legal process, seeking better financial opportunities to support his family and his community back in Haiti.
He was known for his dedication to education and community development through his work with AJMPD, an educational group in Haiti.
According to reports from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the accident involved three vehicles, with the first car, carrying seven employees of a dessert company, crashing and catching fire.
Jean Benson Exima and two of his cousins, Fednie Eloy and Orel Cacecus, were among those who perished.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident, with speed believed to be a possible factor.
Esme Herrmann, a colleague of Exima, expressed her condolences on Facebook, stating, "Jean was a friend, an inspiration, a teacher, and a change maker.
His passion and dedication will never be forgotten."
Funeral arrangements for Jean Benson Exima will be announced by his family at a later date.