In the quiet hours of Wednesday, November 5, 2025, a shocking accident claimed the life of beloved New Bern resident Vicki Michelle Wallace, 54. At the convergence of U.S. 70 West and U.S. 17 South, she was standing behind her vehicle after pulling over due to a flat tire when she was struck by a white Toyota Tacoma. The collision forced her between the two vehicles and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wallace had pulled off the road believing she could address the flat tire safely, only for the tragedy to unfold so quickly. The driver of the Toyota suffered serious but not life‐threatening injuries and was taken to Carolina East Medical Center; there were no passengers in either vehicle and, according to authorities, no charges are expected.
For the community of New Bern, this isn’t just another accident—it’s the loss of a person whose warmth and kindness radiated in everyday interactions. Friends, neighbors, and family remember Vicki as a generous and gentle soul whose presence brought joy to gatherings, comfort to those around her, and a brightness wherever she went. She was a longtime resident, deeply rooted in the neighborhood, known for the small but meaningful ways she reached out—whether it was a shared meal, a kind word, or a helping hand.
In the hours following her passing, the community rallied. Candles were lit, stories shared, and offers of support poured in for Wallace’s family. In a town like New Bern, when someone who has touched so many leaves us so suddenly, it becomes more than grief—it becomes a collective moment of reflection and unity. Her memory is already living in the countless lives she quietly influenced.
Vicki’s impact was subtle but enduring. To know her was to feel seen, heard, and valued. She listened when people needed to talk, she laughed easily and offered a moment of lightness, she held space for others. Her legacy will carry on through the relationships she fostered and the memories she left behind: the gentle smile, the genuine interest, the calm presence.
Though Vicki Michelle Wallace (1971–2025) is no longer with us, her spirit remains. In a place like New Bern, small acts matter. Her kindness will echo in family kitchens, among friends reminiscing, in neighbors greeting each other with a little more intention because of the example she set. While the shock of her sudden departure lingers, so too does the love she shared—and community members are determined to honor that.
In the coming days and weeks, as the community gathers to remember Vicki, it’s clear she leaves behind more than memories: she leaves a model of how to live gently, how to be present, how to connect. And while the pain of loss is real, so is the gratitude for having known her. New Bern mourns deeply—and alongside the sorrow, there is also a warm sense of celebration for a life that meant so much.