Pedestrian hit, killed by vehicle along Interstate 40 East just outside of Benson
JOHNSTON, NC, (November 29, 2024) - A search is underway to locate the driver accused of fatally striking a pedestrian in a hit-and-run crash early Friday in Johnston County, according to the Highway Patrol.
Ryan Shyllon Opher, a 38-year-old Raleigh resident, was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver on Interstate 40 East in Johnston County early Friday, according to a news release.
The incident happened on Interstate 40 East near mile marker 325 just outside of Benson, authorities said.
A preliminary investigation found that an unknown car was traveling east on I-40 around 7 a.m. when it ran off the roadway toward the median. Shortly after, the motorist crashed into 38-year-old Ryan Shyllon Opher and fled the scene. Tragically, the Raleigh resident succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash, troopers said.
Anyone with information about the deadly hit-and-run was urged to contact Highway Patrol at 919-934-2186.
The investigation is underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Despite every warning, every memorial, every death, too many drivers keep going, knowing they’ve hit someone.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), hit-and-run deaths in the U.S. have increased an average of 7.2% each year since 2009.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“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.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Ryan Shyllon Opher may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this incident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(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).