FAIRVIEW, Buncombe County, N.C., Sept. 22, 2026 — A Fairview woman died Monday night, September 21, after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene on Cane Creek Road, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Troopers said the crash happened around 8:17 p.m. along Cane Creek Road. A pedestrian, identified as 29 year old Amber Hudgens, was struck by a small red passenger vehicle.
Hudgens was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle that struck her did not stop, troopers said.
The State Highway Patrol said it is working to identify the vehicle and the driver involved. We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Where Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen
Rural two-lane roads like the ones common around Fairview tend to produce these crashes more than city streets do. They often carry higher speed limits, little or no lighting after dark, and no sidewalks or shoulders wide enough for a person to walk safely away from traffic.
Drivers on these roads are also less likely to expect a pedestrian at all, especially at night. That expectation gap, combined with speed, cuts down the time a driver has to see someone and react. Unsignaled stretches of road far from intersections see a large share of these strikes, since there's no crosswalk or signal cueing drivers to slow down or watch for people on foot.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, one in five cyclist injuries occurred in hit-and-run crashes in 2023. Pedestrians face similar exposure on roads that lack separation from moving traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are fatal hit-and-run crashes investigated?
Investigators typically canvass the area for surveillance or dashcam footage, examine debris left at the scene, and check nearby traffic and license plate readers for vehicles matching witness descriptions. Tips from the public often play a key role in identifying a suspect vehicle.
How long do these investigations usually take?
Timelines vary widely. Some hit-and-run cases are solved within days if a vehicle is quickly identified; others remain open for months while investigators pursue leads.
Where do fatal pedestrian crashes most often occur?
Data consistently shows these crashes cluster on rural highways and undivided roads with higher speeds, few crosswalks, and limited lighting, rather than on lower-speed city streets.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Fairview, NC
If you witness a hit-and-run or are involved in one, try to note as many details as possible about the fleeing vehicle, including its color, approximate make, and any part of the license plate you can see. Call 911 immediately so emergency responders and troopers can reach the scene quickly.
Anyone with a medical concern after being struck, even if injuries seem minor at first, should be evaluated promptly, since some injuries aren't obvious right away. If you have information about this crash or any hit-and-run in the Fairview area, contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
