Vehicle struck the pedestrian on the Kenilworth Avenue ramp
December 20, 2025 | Charlotte, NC
A tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of Wayne Raymond Cruse, 79, on the Kenilworth Avenue ramp of the John Belk Freeway.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported the incident occurred just after 7 p.m. on Dec. 20.
Wayne Raymond Cruse, 79, died after a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse struck him on the Kenilworth Avenue ramp to John Belk Freeway in Charlotte.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities stated that a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse struck Cruse while he was on the ramp. The 50-year-old driver remained at the scene following the collision. Cruse was pronounced dead at the location.
- Victim: Wayne Raymond Cruse, 79
- Vehicle Involved: 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
- Driver: 50-year-old male, cooperated with investigators
- Time: Just after 7 p.m.
- Outcome: Fatal injuries to the pedestrian, and no reported injuries to the driver
- Status: Ongoing investigation by CMPD
The ramp, a busy connector in Charlotte's transportation network, saw an immediate response from emergency services.
Where Did the Incident Occur?
The crash took place on the Kenilworth Avenue ramp leading to the John Belk Freeway, a major artery in Charlotte. This area handles significant traffic, especially during evening hours, increasing risks for pedestrians.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian incidents have risen in recent years, driven by factors like speeding, distracted driving, and inadequate infrastructure. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) highlights dangerous behaviors and road designs favoring vehicles as key contributors.
In North Carolina, pedestrian fatalities increased notably in 2024. According to GHSA data:
Year |
Pedestrian Deaths in NC |
Percentage Change |
|---|
2023 |
249 |
Not Available |
2024 |
279 |
+12% |
Nationally, the GHSA reports over 7,500 pedestrian deaths in 2023, underscoring the urgency for better safety measures. Sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize visibility and lighting as critical factors in preventing such tragedies.
Legal Insights
Newsline's national legal analysts provide guidance on navigating pedestrian accident cases.
“In cases such as this, road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “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.”
Key takeaways:
- Proper investigation proves negligence through evidence like witness statements and forensic analysis.
- Infrastructure issues, such as poor lighting on ramps, often play a role.
- Families may pursue claims for medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic accident.”
Analysts stress the importance of legal representation to counter insurance pressures for low settlements.
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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).