Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run at US 421 and Malpass Corner Road

PENDER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Authorities have confirmed that a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run at Malpass Corner Road and US 421 in Pender County.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded at around 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, when officers found the victim.

According to the NCSHP, 36-year-old Ricky Reynolds Graham, Jr. died in the hit-and-run. Law enforcement officials say they believe the driver of a white 2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra 2500 or 3500 HD struck him. Highway Patrol confirmed the passenger mirror is missing.

NC State Highway Patrol and those who work and live close to the intersection say crashes near the intersection of Malpass Corner Rd. and US 421 are fairly common.

“What I’ve noticed from that area is a lot of people are inattentive, and they are impatient,” said NC State Highway Patrol Sgt. Devin Rich.

One individual who works near the area believes the flashing lights installed don’t do much, and more needs to be done.

“There’s always accidents here. They say that you know, when they add that flashing lights will say help, actually doesn’t help. I think the solution is going to be either they put a roundabout, or they do a four-way stop sign. That’s the only thing that’s going to help,” said Shadi Hamam, manager at Malpass Corner Food Mart.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

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