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Jack Munsey, the former CEO of embattled real estate law firm Washburn Law, passed away early Saturday morning in a car accident on Interstate 85. 

Just months before, Munsey and the firm had become embroiled in a high-profile scandal at involving missing client funds. Washburn Law, which was once based in North Carolina and had a branch in Tryon, declared bankruptcy in 2023 following accusations of embezzling millions from client accounts.

According to law enforcement reports, Munsey was found dead at the scene of a collision on I-85 near the Belmont, N.C. exit. He had been ejected from his parked vehicle, which was struck from behind by another vehicle in the early hours of Saturday morning. 

The firm’s founder, Jonathan Washburn, and Munsey had been trading accusations of embezzlement. The accusations attracted the attention of bankruptcy trustee James Angell, who filed complaints with authorities against Washburn, Munsey and others involved in the controversy, alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and civil conspiracy. The case is also under current investigation by the FBI and the North Carolina State Bar. 

At this time, no resolution or repayment has been made to the clients whose money went missing.