Good Samaritan Dies a Year After Assault at Milton Boat Ramp

In a press release seeking information about the incident, the Caswell County Sheriff’s Office reports that a “Good Samaritan” died on September 20 of this year after a “series of medical emergencies” caused by an assault that occurred last fall at the boat ramp in Milton. 

The Sheriff’s Office said that “around” October 19, 2025, David Pennebaker was “beaten unconscious by an unknown male” after checking on a woman he heard screaming for help in the parking lot while he was birdwatching at the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Boating Access Area on the Dan River in Milton. 

According to an obituary published by Strickland and Jones Memorial Funeral Services, David Matthew Pennebaker, of Roxboro was 64 years old at the time of his death and “loved the outdoors, nature, and wildlife and was an avid and accomplished birder.” He was described as a devoted member of Saints Mary and Edward Catholic Church, who “lived his faith by checking in on people, visiting friends, and lending a hand wherever he could.”

“A family has lost a father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend,” the Caswell County Sheriff’s Office said in the press release. “The world lost a good Samaritan, who ultimately gave his life trying to help someone in need.”

Crime Stoppers of Caswell County is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. If you have information about the assault, please call Crime Stoppers at 336-694-5199 or the Caswell County Sheriff’s Office at 336-694-2555.