Driver hit man who stepped into the lane after a flat tyre left his car stranded near Wilson’s Mills Road
November 21, 2025 | Wilsons Mills, NC
What Happened in the Crash?
A tragic incident unfolded late Friday when an unidentified man was fatally struck by a vehicle after his car broke down on a Johnston County highway. The collision occurred around 11:50 p.m. in an area officials described as poorly lit, contributing to the severity of the event.
Dewarren Compton fatally struck a man who walked into the roadway from his disabled car on U.S. Highway 70 West near Wilson’s Mills Road.
The victim had experienced a flat tire and sought assistance at a nearby Handy Mart. As he stepped into the travel lane near Wilson’s Mills Road, he was hit by a passing vehicle driven by Dewarren Compton. Emergency responders pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene.
Key Details of the Incident
- Location: U.S. Highway 70 West, now designated as part of Interstate 42, near Wilson’s Mills Road, Wilson’s Mills, NC
- Date and Time: Late Friday evening, approximately 11:50 p.m.
- Victim: Unidentified man, identity pending release
- Driver Involved: Dewarren Compton
- Agency: Wilson’s Mills Police Department is leading the investigation
- Conditions: Poor lighting in the area noted by officials
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities from the Wilson’s Mills Police Department are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary reports indicate the pedestrian was attempting to cross the highway when the collision occurred. Further details will be released as the probe continues, focusing on factors like visibility and road conditions.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Happen?
Pedestrian fatalities on U.S. roads have risen significantly, driven by factors such as increased vehicle sizes, higher speeds, and inadequate infrastructure. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 84% of pedestrian deaths in 2023 took place in urban areas, a sharp increase from 59% in 1975.
Statistic |
1975 |
2023 |
Source |
|---|
Urban Pedestrian Deaths (% of Total) |
59% |
84% |
IIHS |
Overall Pedestrian Fatalities (Annual Average) |
About 5,000 |
About 7,500 |
NHTSA |
Common Causes |
Distracted Driving, Speeding |
Heavier Vehicles, Poor Lighting |
CDC |
These trends highlight the need for better road safety measures, including improved lighting and pedestrian-friendly designs.
Legal Insights
Newsline’s national legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on pedestrian accidents to help inform the public.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Pedestrians generally have the right of way at intersections and crosswalks.
- Thorough investigations are crucial to identify negligence, such as failure to yield or poor visibility.
- Evidence collection, including witness statements and scene documentation, strengthens legal claims.
“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 protect their legal rights and best interests.”
Pending investigation outcomes, the victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim for compensation related to loss of companionship and support.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).