Ernest Martin killed in pedestrian crash on U.S. Highway 70

Motorist struck the Goldsboro resident and fled the scene

April 02, 2026 | Goldsboro, NC

A tragic hit-and-run incident on U.S. Highway 70 has left Goldsboro resident Ernest Lee Martin deceased, prompting an ongoing search for the at-fault driver by local authorities.

Ernest Lee Martin died after a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian in the 800 block of U.S. Highway 70 in Goldsboro.

What Happened in the Crash?

Emergency responders from the Goldsboro Police Department and Wayne County EMS arrived at the scene in the 800 block of U.S. Highway 70 around 9:43 a.m. on April 2. They discovered Martin, who had been struck by a fleeing motorist sometime late Thursday or overnight into Friday morning.

• Victim: Ernest Lee Martin, a Goldsboro resident.
• Location: 800 block of U.S. Highway 70, Goldsboro, North Carolina.
• Time of Response: Approximately 9:43 a.m.
• Incident Timing: Late evening or early morning hours prior.
• Outcome: Fatal injuries, and the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The public is encouraged to provide any information by contacting Crime Stoppers at 919-735-2255.

Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?

Hit-and-run crashes remain a persistent issue on U.S. roadways, often driven by drivers' attempts to evade accountability. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), such incidents contribute significantly to pedestrian risks.

These figures underscore the urgency of thorough investigations to identify at-fault parties and prevent future tragedies.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this involving pedestrian accidents, detailed analysis is crucial for establishing liability and supporting affected families.

“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national legal analyst for Newsline. “Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined. An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”

• Drivers hold a duty to yield to pedestrians in most scenarios.
• Families may pursue wrongful death claims for losses including income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
• Professional guidance ensures fair compensation against insurance pressures for low settlements.

“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident. Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”

Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., maintains an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence.

For transparency, we adhere to our Corrections Policy, offering a 24-hour review guarantee for any updates or corrections.

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.