RALEIGH, NC – The night of August 22, 2025, was shattered by a heartbreaking incident on Hammond Road near the Interstate 40 West on-ramp in Raleigh. At approximately 9:30 p.m., 57-year-old James Patterson was struck by a vehicle while walking in the travel lane, a moment that would tragically end his life. Pronounced dead at the scene, Patterson’s passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him and sparked renewed concern about pedestrian safety in the city.
The Raleigh Police Department responded swiftly to the scene, arriving just before 9:40 p.m. to a chaotic situation. According to their preliminary investigation, Patterson was wearing dark clothing and walking in an area with poor lighting, factors that likely contributed to the collision. The driver of the vehicle, whose identity has not been disclosed, remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. After conducting several tests, police ruled out speed and impairment as contributing factors in the crash. No charges have been filed at this time, but the investigation remains ongoing as officers work to piece together the full circumstances of this devastating event.
The crash prompted the North Carolina Department of Transportation to close Hammond Road for several hours, with an alert issued around 11 p.m. and the road reopening by 2 a.m. on August 23. The closure disrupted late-night traffic, but more significantly, it underscored the gravity of the incident that unfolded on this busy thoroughfare.
Pedestrian accidents like this one are a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those on foot, particularly in areas where infrastructure may not adequately protect them. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports that pedestrian fatalities have surged by 4% since 2008, now accounting for 16% of all traffic-related deaths nationwide. North Carolina itself ranks alarmingly high, sitting at No. 6 in the U.S. for pedestrian traffic deaths, a statistic made even more troubling when adjusted for population. In Raleigh alone, pedestrian fatalities have spiked in recent years, with 27 deaths reported in 2022, nearly tripling the previous year’s numbers.
“Pedestrian accidents are complex cases that demand thorough investigation to uncover the truth,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a seasoned pedestrian accident attorney. “Factors like road conditions, signage, and lighting can make all the difference. An experienced attorney can bring in expert witnesses, track down additional evidence, and ensure every angle is explored to establish negligence.”
As the investigation into Patterson’s death continues, his family may have the option to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such legal action can offer compensation for the profound losses they now face—loss of companionship, emotional anguish, and the financial burdens that often accompany sudden tragedy. “The grief of losing a loved one in an accident is overwhelming,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer can provide not just legal guidance but also the advocacy families need to protect their rights during this painful time.”
The incident on Hammond Road is a somber call to action for Raleigh and communities nationwide. As pedestrian deaths continue to rise, the need for improved road safety measures—better lighting, clearer signage, and enhanced crosswalks—has never been more urgent. For now, the city mourns James Patterson, a man whose life was cut short in a moment of tragedy, and waits for answers as the investigation unfolds.