Cary, NC (August 26, 2026) - Local news sources and police statements reported that 76-year-old Soile Lazarz died after a black SUV struck her on Ederlee Drive shortly after 7 a.m. Emergency crews responded to a crosswalk near Peregrine Place, close to Regency Parkway and the Symphony Greenway trail.

First responders and bystanders attempted to help Lazarz, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The SUV driver and the driver’s children, who were passengers in the vehicle, were not injured.

Lazarz reportedly took a three-mile walk each day. Her husband, Thomas Lazarz, said she had gone on Wednesday morning’s walk alone and had not returned when expected. A police officer arrived at his home around 9 a.m. to inform him of the crash. Thomas Lazarz described his wife as a cautious pedestrian who paid close attention before crossing streets.

Police have not announced what caused the crash or whether speed contributed to it. No charges had been filed against the SUV driver as of the latest reports, and the Cary Police Department continued to investigate.

Neighbors said they had contacted the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Town of Cary about safety conditions at the crosswalk for several years. Their concerns included vehicle speeds and whether existing signs provided enough warning to approaching drivers. Municipal communications had also documented community complaints about speeding and drag racing along Ederlee Drive near Regency Woods Place, although authorities have not connected those complaints to this crash.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation reportedly holds primary responsibility for maintaining the crosswalk, with the Town of Cary participating in recent improvements. Transportation officials said a pedestrian hybrid beacon was planned for the location in fall 2028, although work could begin sooner.

Ederlee Drive between Regency Parkway and Peregrine Place was closed while investigators processed the scene. The roadway later reopened. Anyone with information about the collision may contact the Cary Police Department through its nonemergency line at 919-469-4012.

Thomas Lazarz said he and Soile were college sweethearts from Sweden who built a life together with their daughter and granddaughter. He remembered his wife for her commitment to equal opportunities and asked motorists to observe speed limits, respect marked crossings, and remain attentive around pedestrians.

How Pedestrian Accident Claims Are Reviewed

A fatal pedestrian collision can raise questions that are not answered by the first police report. Investigators, insurance carriers, and others may review driver statements, witness accounts, roadway conditions, vehicle data, photographs, and available video before determining how the event occurred.

The review of a car accident claim often includes immediate losses as well as the long-term effects on a person’s family. Those seeking hire a pedestrian accident lawyer may benefit from understanding how medical records, employment information, insurance policies, and other documentation fit into that assessment.

North Carolina law can affect how civil responsibility is evaluated, while insurers may examine whether each person involved followed applicable traffic rules. Preserving reliable records can help create a more complete account of the collision and the losses that followed.

Addressing Insurance Questions After A Cary Car Accident

After the initial investigation, families may need to consider insurance communications, financial losses, and the lasting personal effects of the accident. A legal team can review both immediate concerns and future consequences while explaining how the available evidence may affect a claim. Attorney Corey Rosensteel puts it this way: “Protecting a family’s future means looking beyond today’s paperwork and considering how the loss may affect every part of life moving forward.”

Discussing A Cary Pedestrian Accident With Rosensteel Fleishman

Rosensteel Fleishman supports clients throughout each stage of the claims process. We help clients understand what information insurers may request, what statements could affect a claim, and when it may be appropriate to avoid answering questions until the facts and available coverage have been reviewed.

Families affected by a fatal pedestrian accident may face unfamiliar decisions while also coping with a profound loss. Our firm can review the circumstances, explain the available options, and assist with insurance and legal matters in a calm, organized manner. Those who would like to discuss a Cary pedestrian accident may call 1-704-714-1450 for a free consultation.