A Wilson County family and their tight-knit neighborhood are in shock after a one-year-old boy was struck and killed Tuesday night on North Carolina Highway 42, in what loved ones are calling a heartbreaking "freak accident."
Family members identified the child as Brooks McCoy Ambrose. Investigators said he wandered into traffic near Sadie Road, where he was hit by a semi-truck. Brooks was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbors and relatives described the loss as devastating for the Ambrose family, who have four other children.
State troopers with the North Carolina Highway Patrol said the crash happened just after 8:10 p.m. on April 14, when a Freightliner traveling east in the left lane struck the toddler, according to ABC11. Investigators said the truck driver immediately pulled over and waited for troopers to arrive. Brooks was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the days since the crash, family and friends have turned to an online fundraiser to try to ease at least some of the burden. A campaign organized by Brooks' aunt on GoFundMe shows $35,530 raised toward a $45,000 goal to help cover funeral and family expenses. The page remembers Brooks as "happy, spunky" and asks for prayers for his parents, Kelsey and Keith Ambrose, and their four other children.
Investigation and legal status
As investigators work to piece together how the child ended up in the travel lane, authorities say they do not expect charges against the truck driver.
State troopers reported that the driver of a 2019 white Freightliner "is showing to have no contributing circumstances in this collision," and Lieutenant Christopher D. Knox told reporters that no charges are anticipated while the Highway Patrol continues its investigation, according to WRAL. Troopers have not released a full account of what led to the child being in the roadway.
Community reaction
The tragedy has rippled through the local community, with residents rallying around the Ambrose family through donations, online messages, and quiet gestures of support.
Officials have repeated general roadway-safety reminders for families and parents, urging extra caution around busy corridors like NC-42. They also asked anyone with information about Tuesday night’s crash to contact the North Carolina Highway Patrol's crash unit as the investigation continues.
