News Summary
A pedestrian was killed by a vehicle in Asheville, marking the fourth pedestrian death this year. The tragic incident occurred at Patton Avenue and North Louisiana Avenue, raising concerns about pedestrian safety in the city. Local authorities are urging for improved measures and the reinstatement of the traffic safety unit, as investigations continue into the increasing fatalities involving pedestrians.
Asheville, North Carolina—A pedestrian was tragically killed by a vehicle on the night of June 10, marking the fourth pedestrian death in Asheville this year. The incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m. at the intersection of Patton Avenue and North Louisiana Avenue, prompting an immediate response from the Asheville Police Department.
According to preliminary investigations, a 2000 Nissan Sentra was traveling westbound in the far-right lane of Patton Avenue when it struck the pedestrian, who was reportedly crossing the roadway outside of a designated crosswalk. The pedestrian succumbed to injuries at the scene, and officials have not yet released their identity. The driver of the vehicle remained at the site following the incident and has not been charged as the investigation continues.
This recent accident has raised concerns among local authorities, particularly as it follows another fatal incident at the same intersection on April 8, where a 37-year-old man named Tyler Michael White was also killed. Asheville Police Chief Mike Lamb reported a troubling trend in pedestrian fatalities, stating that 2025 is on track to potentially surpass the previous year’s record of 22 deaths.
The increase in pedestrian fatalities in Asheville has been linked in part to staffing issues within the police department. A significant wave of resignations from 2020 to 2022 resulted in reduced police capacity, including the disbandment of the traffic safety unit, which played a crucial role in monitoring and addressing safety concerns on the roads. In the wake of this alarming trend, the Asheville Police Department has announced plans to reinstate the traffic safety unit, contingent on the graduation of new cadets later this year.
The ongoing investigation into the June 10 accident involves consultations with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office to determine appropriate next steps. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110.
As pedestrian safety continues to be a pressing issue in Asheville, community leaders and residents are calling for more stringent measures to protect individuals who traverse the city’s roadways. With the rising number of fatalities, there have been increasing demands for improved crosswalks, traffic signals, and general awareness surrounding pedestrian rights and safety.
Asheville is no stranger to traffic-related fatalities, but the significant rise this year is alarming. Pedestrian deaths are often preventable with proper measures in place, including education, enforcement, and engineering improvements to roadways. Public safety remains an ongoing challenge, and with plans for reinstating a focused unit to address these issues, there may be renewed hope for a safer environment for all road users in Asheville.
The future trajectory for pedestrian safety in Asheville will depend on community engagement, effective law enforcement, and education surrounding traffic awareness. Local authorities are committed to addressing these recent tragedies and enhancing the overall safety of its streets, as the investigation into this most recent incident continues.
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