DURHAM, Durham County, N.C., Sept. 14, 2026 — An 18-year-old man died after he was struck by a driver later accused of driving while impaired early on Sunday morning, September 13, on US-70 and South Miami Boulevard in Durham, according to authorities.
The young man, identified by police as Juan Jose Acevedo Archila, had reportedly been involved in an earlier crash that left his car disabled along the road. Authorities said he got out to check the vehicle for damage when he was hit by a passing car, reportedly a Nissan Sentra, around 2:05 a.m. in the 1300 block of the highway.
Police said the Nissan's driver told officers he tried to stop, but the car kept sliding due to the rain. Archila was taken to a hospital, where he later died, according to authorities.
The driver has been identified by police as a 37-year-old man from Manson, in Warren County. He faces charges that reportedly include driving while impaired, driving with a revoked license, misdemeanor death by vehicle, failure to reduce speed, exceeding a safe speed, and driving without liability insurance, according to the police department.
The crash remains under investigation, authorities said.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Where Pedestrians Struck on Roadways Like US-70 Are Most at Risk
Wide, high-speed highways such as US-70 carry heavy traffic at speeds that leave little time for a driver to react to someone standing near a disabled vehicle or crossing on foot. These roads often have few marked crossings and limited lighting, so a pedestrian outside a car at night can be hard to see until it's too late.
Breakdown lanes and shoulders on multi-lane roads place people close to moving traffic, with only a painted line separating them. Rain, as in the conditions described in this crash, reduces visibility further and increases stopping distances, a combination that shows up again and again in crashes involving stopped vehicles and the people checking them.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 253 children killed in traffic crashes were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in 2023. Impaired driving remains a factor across many crash types, including those involving pedestrians on roadway shoulders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are fatal crashes like this one investigated?
Police typically reconstruct the scene using witness statements, road and weather conditions, and vehicle data. Charges may be filed early in the process, but full investigations, including toxicology results, often continue after an arrest.
How long do these investigations usually take?
Initial charges can come within hours or days, but a complete case file, especially one involving impairment, can take weeks or longer as agencies await lab results and finalize reports.
What role does impaired driving play in fatal crashes?
Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction time and judgment, and it is a factor in a large share of fatal crashes nationwide, including ones involving pedestrians near roadways.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Durham, NC
If you're involved in or witness a crash where someone is out of their vehicle, call 911 immediately and move to a safe location away from traffic if possible. Turn on hazard lights and use flares or reflective triangles if they're available.
Anyone hurt, even if injuries seem minor at first, should be seen by a medical provider, since some injuries from being struck by a vehicle aren't immediately obvious. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses, and request a copy of the police report once it's available.
If you've lost a loved one in a similar crash, reach out to the investigating agency for updates and keep any documentation you receive, including the case number, in a safe place.
