Family mourns couple killed in crash that left two children without parents

The family of a couple killed in a head-on crash last week is speaking out as the driver charged in the wreck faces multiple charges. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash happened just before 4 p.m. on June 18 on U.S. Highway 258 near N.C. Highway 41 in Jones County. Troopers said Nikki Latinette and Spencer Latinette were killed when a vehicle driven by Melvin Cobb Jr. crossed the center line and collided head-on with their vehicle. A third occupant of the Latinettes' vehicle suffered serious injuries and was transported to ECU Health Medical Center. For the couple's family, the devastating news came unexpectedly. "You don't expect to have a state trooper call you on the phone and tell you that your 31-year-old child has been killed," a family member said. Relatives described Nikki and Spencer as devoted parents and a loving couple who had been together for several years. "They met about six or seven years ago, and it was definitely love at first sight," a family member said. The couple had been married for five years. Family members said both were known for helping others and leaving a positive impression on everyone they met. "Both of them had the biggest hearts you could ever imagine," a relative said. "I've talked to strangers I've never met who knew them, and everyone says the same thing. Spencer was one of the sweetest people I've ever met." The crash occurred just three days before Father's Day. Nikki and Spencer leave behind two children, ages 10 and 16. Family members said one of the children has muscular dystrophy and depends on a wheelchair and ongoing medical care. Relatives said they are now focused on supporting the children and helping them navigate life without their parents. "I've messaged him on Facebook I don't know how many times," a family member said. "I made a Father's Day post and told him we'll take care of his children." Troopers have charged Cobb with two counts of misdemeanor death by vehicle, driving left of center and driving while license revoked. Court records show Cobb was arrested by the Onslow County Sheriff's Office on May 30 on a charge of driving while impaired. That case remains pending. When asked about learning the driver had previously been charged with DWI, a family member said the information made the tragedy even more difficult to process. "It makes it even worse. It's the worst thing ever," she said. Authorities said Cobb was treated for minor injuries following the crash. Under North Carolina's implied consent law, investigators obtained a blood sample from Cobb as part of the ongoing investigation. The crash remains under investigation.