Ahoskie, NC (July 11, 2026) - Local news reports and statements from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol indicate that 58-year-old Patricia Muse died after being struck by two vehicles on Newsome Grove Road shortly before 11:30 p.m. Saturday.

Muse, an Ahoskie resident, was reportedly walking south on Newsome Grove Road approximately two-tenths of a mile from her home. Trooper Z. Mize said she was about two to three feet inside the travel lane when the first collision occurred.

A Buick passenger car driven by Vivian Riddick of Ahoskie was traveling south when it struck Muse. The impact left Muse in the northbound lane, where she was struck seconds later by a BMW passenger car driven by Brittney Brown of Chesapeake, Virginia.

Muse died at the scene. Her body was sent to the medical examiner’s office, and a report remained pending. Riddick sustained minor injuries and was transported to ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. Brown was not injured.

Authorities did not file charges against either driver in connection with the fatal collision. Brown received citations for operating a vehicle with an expired registration and improperly restraining a child passenger. Trooper Mize stated that neither violation contributed to the cause of the crash.

The fatality was the seventh motor vehicle death reported during 2026 within the Highway Patrol’s Troop A District II area, which includes Bertie, Gates, and Hertford counties. Three of those deaths occurred in Hertford County.

How Fatal Pedestrian Collisions Are Reviewed

The first public accident report is often only the beginning of a broader examination. Investigators may review roadway conditions, vehicle damage, lighting, driver statements, physical evidence, medical findings, and any available video to develop a clearer account of how the collision occurred.

In a fatal car accident involving a pedestrian and multiple vehicles, questions about responsibility can arise before every record has been completed. Families seeking to understand insurance procedures and possible civil claims may choose to get help with your auto accident claim while evidence, coverage information, and official reports are being collected.

A civil insurance review remains separate from any traffic citations or criminal investigation. Claim evaluations may consider medical and funeral records, lost financial support, insurance policy terms, witness accounts, vehicle data, and conclusions contained in the final investigative report.

How Drivers Can Reduce Pedestrian Collision Risks

Drivers can lower roadway risks by maintaining a controlled speed, watching both the travel lane and shoulder, and using additional caution in areas with limited lighting. Proper lane position and steady vehicle control provide more time to identify pedestrians, stopped traffic, roadway hazards, or unexpected movement near the edge of the pavement.

Safe lane changes also require a complete view of surrounding traffic. Checking mirrors, looking through blind spots, signaling early, and avoiding abrupt steering can help drivers maintain control and reduce the possibility of a secondary car accident after an initial roadway emergency.

Understanding The Next Steps After An Ahoskie Car Accident

After a serious collision, families may face medical examiner procedures, insurance communications, official reports, financial records, and questions about what happened. Experienced legal counsel can organize these materials, communicate with insurers, preserve relevant evidence, and explain how the civil claim process may apply.

Rosensteel Fleishman is a North Carolina personal injury law firm that helps individuals and families address legal and insurance issues after serious roadway accidents. Our firm reviews available records, explains the procedures involved, and helps clients make informed decisions based on the facts of their situation.