Driver of first vehicle left the scene after striking the pedestrian on the eastbound off-ramp
January 03, 2026 | Asheville, NC
A tragic hit-and-run crash claimed the life of Daniel Anthony Duryea, a 33-year-old man, on Interstate 240 in Asheville, North Carolina.
The incident unfolded late Saturday night when two vehicles struck the pedestrian, with the first driver fleeing the scene before authorities arrived.
Daniel Anthony Duryea, 33, died after a Ford Flex struck him and fled on an Interstate 240 off-ramp in East Asheville.
What Happened in the Crash?
Investigators from the Asheville Police Department detailed the sequence of the crash leading to Duryea's death. The collision occurred around 11:54 p.m. on the eastbound Interstate 240 Exit 7 off-ramp.
- Victim: Daniel Anthony Duryea, 33, pronounced dead at the scene.
- First Vehicle: A 2019 Ford Flex traveling eastbound struck Duryea, and the driver reported the incident via 911 but then left the area.
- Second Vehicle: Struck Duryea after he remained in the roadway.
- Arrest: A woman from Virginia was later apprehended and charged with felony hit-and-run.
Authorities continue to investigate road conditions and other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from panic, fear of legal repercussions, or impaired judgment. In pedestrian cases like this, factors such as poor visibility, high speeds on interstates, and inadequate lighting on off-ramps can exacerbate risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hit-and-run drivers were involved in thousands of fatal crashes nationwide.
Statistic |
Value (2023 NHTSA Data) |
Source |
|---|
Total Traffic Fatalities Involving Hit-and-Run |
2,872 |
NHTSA |
Pedestrian Fatalities |
7,314 |
NHTSA |
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Fatalities |
1,818 (25%) |
NHTSA |
Common Contributing Factors |
Speeding, Alcohol Impairment, Distracted Driving |
Federal Highway Administration |
This table highlights the urgent need for thorough investigations to address negligence and prevent future tragedies.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of comprehensive crash investigations in hit-and-run scenarios to uncover negligence and support affected families.
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal.
- Prioritizing immediate medical aid at crash scenes to save lives.
- Examining environmental elements like interstate ramps for safety improvements.
- Holding drivers accountable through felony charges when they abandon victims.
In cases such as this, added Bond, the national analyst for Newsline, “The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.”
Potential Wrongful Death Claims
Families affected by fatal motor vehicle accidents may pursue wrongful death claims to seek compensation for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Legal representation ensures updates on investigations and protects rights during challenging times.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).