Raleigh, NC (May 04, 2026) - According to local news sources and police statements, a 59-year-old pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle on the South Wilmington Street bridge above South Saunders Street early Monday morning.

Investigators with the Raleigh Police Department said the crash was reported around 3:30 a.m. near the South Wilmington Street bridge crossing over South Saunders Street close to Ileagues Road. Police identified the victim as Robert Jackson Henderson, who was reportedly walking on the right shoulder of South Wilmington Street when he was hit by a blue Honda CR-V.

Authorities said the impact caused Henderson to fall from the bridge onto South Saunders Street below, where he was then struck by several additional unidentified vehicles. He died at the scene from his injuries. News crews at the location observed significant damage to the Honda CR-V, including heavy front-end damage after the vehicle reportedly struck a wall on the bridge.

Police later identified the driver as 22-year-old Chandler Evan Brown. Investigators said Brown allegedly fled the scene on foot after leaving the damaged SUV abandoned in the roadway on top of the bridge. He was later taken into custody and charged with felony death by motor vehicle, felony hit and run resulting in serious injury or death, driving while impaired, failure to maintain lane control, and failure to reduce speed.

Court records indicated Brown was being held at the Wake County Detention Center under a $250,000 bond following the incident. Authorities also noted that the investigation remained ongoing as officers continued working to identify the additional vehicles involved after Henderson landed on South Saunders Street.

Both South Saunders Street and South Wilmington Street were closed for several hours during the Monday morning commute while investigators processed the scene and cleared debris from the roadway. Officials stated that the crash remains under active investigation.

How Investigations Often Develop After Serious Raleigh Traffic Accidents

Incidents involving major roadway injuries or fatalities often lead to a lengthy review process as investigators gather evidence and determine how the events unfolded. In situations involving multiple vehicles, bridge structures, or impaired driving allegations, authorities may examine roadway conditions, witness statements, surveillance footage, and vehicle damage reports to better understand the sequence of events.

Insurance companies also commonly conduct separate reviews after a fatal crash. Adjusters may evaluate crash scene photographs, medical findings, police documentation, and timelines connected to the incident. Reporting deadlines, available evidence, and statements collected shortly after the collision can all influence how insurance claims and related disputes move forward.

In many cases involving a car accident, investigators work to reconstruct the circumstances leading up to the impact while reviewing whether roadway positioning, speed, visibility, or driver impairment contributed to the crash. Families affected by these incidents sometimes choose to get advice from a car accident lawyer while gathering records and understanding how insurance carriers may assess liability and damages connected to the collision.

What Raleigh Families Often Consider After A Serious Car Accident

After the immediate aftermath of a crash has passed, many families begin dealing with medical documentation, insurance communication, and questions about financial recovery. A serious car accident can involve ongoing coordination between healthcare providers, investigators, and insurance representatives, especially when injuries or fatalities create long term complications. During this stage, legal representation is often focused on organizing records, reviewing available evidence, and helping clients better understand how claims and documentation are handled throughout the process.

At Rosensteel Fleishman, our firm works with individuals and families facing difficult circumstances after traffic collisions in North Carolina. We understand that many people are trying to manage medical appointments, insurance questions, and paperwork at the same time. Attorney Matthew Fleishman explains, "A large part of the work happens behind the scenes. Careful documentation and steady communication can make a meaningful difference as a case develops and families try to move forward with fewer unanswered questions."