CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Caldwell County community is mourning the loss of an area physician after he was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver over the weekend, according to North Carolina State Highway Patrol and those who knew the victim.
The fatal crash happened a little after 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. A North Carolina state trooper had attempted to stop a Ford F250 pickup truck for speeding on US 321 in Caldwell County.
Troopers said, Randy Deion Collins, 31, of Franklin, refused to stop, traveled onto Hibriton Drive SW, ran a red light at the intersection of US 321, and slammed into a 2020 Subaru.
NC State Highway Patrol said the driver of the Subaru, Roger B. Lim, 50, of Hickory, died from his injuries at the scene. Lim was a physician at Caldwell Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.
Highway Patrol said that speed and impairment are suspected factors in the deadly collision.
Collins has been arrested and charged with the following:
- Driving while license revoked
- Driving while impaired
- Felony flee to elude arrest
- Second-degree murder
- Speeding 81mph in a 55mph zone
- Reckless driving
- Red light violation
Currently, Collins is being held at the Caldwell County jail without bond. The State Highway Patrol's Collision Reconstruction Unit is assisting with the investigation.
The community took to social media to express their grief following the tragic loss.
Please pray for the family of Dr. Roger Lim (His wife, April Lim, his sons, parents, and other family) and his Caldwell UNC family. His life was tragically cut short by a drunk driver while he was on his way home to his family after work last night. He was a loving husband and father. He was a caring, compassionate, and skilled physician. Many hearts are heavy with sadness today, as he made a positive impact on all who had the privilege to know him.
Nyoka Penley Sabucco
Dr. Lim was such an amazing and caring person. My heart is absolutely broken for his family. He did not deserve this. He saved so many lives throughout his career. Prayers for his wife and son’s in this difficult time. Roger Lim, you will be missed by so many and I’m beyond grateful I got the opportunity to work and get to know you!
Amity Eldreth
A senseless tragedy has taken the life of a great doctor, amazing dad, husband, father, and colleague.
Dr. Roger Lim was killed in a motor vehicle collision after being struck by a drunk driver. He had just gotten off of his shift in the emergency department and was driving home to be with his family. He was beloved by so many, and you could not meet a nicer guy. This is a circumstance no family should ever have to face, and it happens all too often.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife April, their young children, and their family, as well as with his ER family at Caldwell Memorial Hospital.
Never take a moment for granted. April shared her story on Facebook of how she had just spoken with him when he was leaving, and was anticipating his arrival home shortly. Lives can be forever changed in a fleeting moment.
Johnny Gomes