Jacksonville, NC (September 5, 2026) – A jogger died after being struck by a vehicle on Rocky Run Road on Thursday, September 3. The report was published on Friday morning.
Manuel Vienes was jogging along Rocky Run Road when a vehicle driven by Nicholas Proctor struck him with a side mirror. Investigators said Proctor was impaired while driving and left without stopping afterward.
Proctor was located at his home several hours later. Court records show he faces felony death by vehicle, felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death, driving while impaired, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane control.
Investigators reported detecting an odor of alcohol, and a blood sample was collected.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. We extend our sincere condolences to Vienes’ family and loved ones.
Why Can Side-Mirror Strikes Be Dangerous for Joggers?
A vehicle’s side mirror extends beyond the main body and can reach someone traveling close to the edge of a roadway. Even brief contact can transfer substantial force because a jogger has little physical protection from a moving vehicle.
The force can knock someone off balance and cause a second contact with the pavement or another hard surface. Head, shoulder, arm, and upper-body trauma may occur depending on vehicle speed, body position, and the angle at which contact happens.
Road width and available shoulder space can also influence how closely vehicles and runners pass one another. Faster travel reduces the time available to recognize and avoid a conflict. These factors can make even a narrow contact point especially dangerous for people traveling on foot beside traffic.
