A 59-year-old Hickory man was struck and killed while trying to cross 1st Avenue Southwest just before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to city officers. The crash happened near 12th Street SW, just past the Dairy Queen, when a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling in the right lane hit him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Crews shut down the roadway as investigators documented the crash site and began canvassing nearby homes and businesses for surveillance footage.
Hickory Police later identified the victim as 59-year-old Nathaniel Wilson, according to WCNC Charlotte, which reported that investigators determined the Jeep hit Wilson as he crossed from the south side of 1st Avenue SW. The station said officers arrived just before 7:30 p.m. and that Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene. WCNC also shared contact information for tips: Officer Joseph Hart at [email protected] and the Hickory Police Department at (828) 328-5551.
WSOC reporters at the scene said the crash happened around 7:20 p.m. and that officers blocked the road at 11th Avenue while canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance video. As the investigation continued, authorities told Channel 9 it was still unclear whether the driver stopped or if any arrests had been made.
Local safety context
The stretch of 1st Avenue SW has been part of the Hickory Police Department's P.A.C.T. - Pay Attention in City Traffic - enforcement rotation, the city noted in a November release that targeted patrols on that corridor to curb speeding and distracted driving, per City of Hickory. Earlier this month, a separate pedestrian death near Hickory on I-40 highlighted a pattern of deadly incidents on roads where people on foot are especially vulnerable.
Investigation and next steps
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and, as of March 5, no charges had been filed in connection with the crash, WCNC Charlotte reported. Anyone with information or relevant video is asked to contact Officer Joseph Hart at [email protected] or the Hickory Police Department at (828) 328-5551 to help investigators piece together what happened.
Investigators are still reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts, and the Hickory Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward. This story will be updated as officials release additional details.
