RALEIGH, Wake County, N.C., Oct. 25, 2026 — A man died late Saturday night, October 24, after stopping to help a stranded motorist along Interstate 540 in north Raleigh and being struck by a passing vehicle, according to the Raleigh Police Department.
The crash was reported around 10:50 p.m. on I-540 westbound near exit 14, just past Litchford Road. Investigators said a vehicle had already been involved in a single-vehicle crash and come to rest at an angle in the travel lanes, with no lights on.
Police said 24-year-old Trevor Gray pulled over on the left shoulder, got out, and walked into the travel lanes to check on the driver of the disabled vehicle, who stayed inside. While Gray was on the highway, a second westbound vehicle struck the darkened, disabled car, which then struck Gray. He was found on the right shoulder and was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS crews.
Both directions of I-540 were briefly closed at exit 17 as crews worked the scene, the North Carolina Department of Transportation said. Eastbound lanes reopened shortly after, and westbound lanes were back open by 2 a.m.
The crash remains under investigation. Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
Local Crash Information for Raleigh, NC
The pedestrian crash was reported on I-540 in Raleigh. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Wake County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a vehicle's speed affect a pedestrian's chance of survival?
Survival odds drop sharply as speed rises. A person struck at highway speeds faces much more severe injuries than one hit in a slow-moving parking lot, because higher speed means more force transferred on impact.
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
Many occur on roadways instead of at marked crossings, often involving someone walking along a shoulder, median, or travel lane, as in situations where a vehicle has broken down or stopped unexpectedly.
Are pedestrian crashes more likely at night?
Yes. Reduced visibility makes it harder for drivers to see people in or near the roadway, especially on highways where vehicles are moving fast and lighting is limited.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Call 911 immediately if possible, avoid moving unless staying in place is dangerous, and get checked by medical personnel even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms appear later.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Raleigh, NC
If you or someone you know is involved in a roadside emergency, staying out of active travel lanes is critical, even when checking on another driver. If a crash happens, call 911 right away and wait for help in the safest possible spot, such as well off the shoulder or behind a barrier. Anyone injured should be seen by medical personnel promptly, since adrenaline can mask pain from trauma. Witnesses should stay nearby if it's safe to do so, since their accounts can help investigators piece together what happened. Family members of someone hurt or killed in a roadway incident can also request the official crash report from the Raleigh Police Department once it's released.
