Charlotte, December 23, 2025
A tragic incident occurred on the I-277 ramp in Charlotte when a 79-year-old man, Wayne Raymond Cruse, was hit by an SUV while walking. The high-traffic area is notorious for being dangerous for pedestrians, illustrating ongoing concerns for pedestrian safety in Charlotte. Following the incident, investigations continue as authorities emphasize the need for improved road safety measures.
Charlotte
Elderly Pedestrian Fatally Struck on I-277 Ramp in Charlotte
Charlotte, NC – A 79-year-old man was killed on Saturday evening after being hit by an SUV while walking on a ramp to Interstate 277, an area known for fast-moving traffic and not intended for foot traffic. The incident, which occurred on December 20, 2025, highlights the persistent dangers pedestrians face on busy roadways in the Charlotte metropolitan area and across the nation.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The victim, identified as Wayne Raymond Cruse, was found unresponsive shortly after 7 p.m. in the middle of the I-277 ramp leading to Kenilworth Avenue. Emergency medical services pronounced him deceased at the scene. According to initial findings, Mr. Cruse was wearing dark, non-reflective clothing as he walked in the middle of the roadway.
The vehicle involved was a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by 50-year-old Richard Antonio Wofford. Mr. Wofford was not injured in the collision. Authorities conducted a screening for impairment, which was determined not to be a factor in the crash, and speed also does not appear to be a contributing factor. The SUV sustained damage to its front right fender and had a busted windshield. The crash remains under investigation, with toxicology results for Mr. Cruse currently pending.
I-277: A Known Hazardous Corridor
Interstate 277, which cuts through the heart of Charlotte, is characterized by high traffic volume and elevated speeds, making it inherently dangerous for pedestrians. This particular interstate is not designed to accommodate foot traffic, further increasing the risk for anyone on foot. Numerous fatal crashes have occurred on I-277, particularly in the vicinity of Bank of America Stadium, an area close to where Saturday’s incident took place near Kenilworth Avenue.
The Charlotte metropolitan area has unfortunately gained a reputation as one of the most hazardous places for pedestrians. A study by Smart Growth America ranked the Charlotte metro area as the 10th worst in the country for pedestrians. Furthermore, Charlotte has received the lowest Walk Score among large cities nationwide, indicating significant challenges for pedestrian safety, especially in areas outside of the downtown core.
Broader Pedestrian Safety Concerns in North Carolina
The tragic death of Mr. Cruse contributes to a concerning trend of increasing pedestrian fatalities across North Carolina. In 2022, a total of 269 pedestrians lost their lives on the state’s roads. From 2018 to 2022, North Carolina experienced a nearly 20 percent surge in pedestrian deaths. Pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities collectively represented 16.2 percent of all roadway deaths in the state in 2022.
State-level data reveals that traffic fatalities in North Carolina have seen a 29 percent increase between 2014 and 2024. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has established a vision to reduce fatalities and serious injuries by half by 2035, with an ultimate goal of achieving zero deaths by 2050, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to improving road safety.
Nationwide Crisis in Pedestrian Safety
The challenges faced by pedestrians are not limited to North Carolina but represent a nationwide crisis. According to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the United States saw a staggering 77 percent increase in pedestrian deaths from 2010 to 2021. The year 2022 marked the deadliest year for pedestrians on U.S. roadways since 1981.
Preliminary data for 2024 indicates that 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States. While this represents a 4.3% decrease from 2023, it remains nearly 20% higher than the figures recorded in 2016. For the fourth consecutive year, pedestrian deaths exceeded 7,000 in 2024. A concerning trend shows pedestrian deaths skyrocketing by 80% from 2009 to 2023, significantly outpacing the 13% increase in all other traffic-related fatalities during the same period.
Several factors contribute to these statistics: more than three out of four pedestrian deaths nationwide occur at night. Additionally, a substantial 65% of pedestrian fatalities in 2023 took place in locations lacking sidewalks, emphasizing the critical role of infrastructure in pedestrian safety. Hit-and-run incidents account for one in four pedestrian deaths. The increasing popularity of larger vehicles also plays a role, with SUVs and pickups being involved in 54% of pedestrian fatalities where vehicle type was known in 2023, compared to 37% for passenger cars.
A recent and alarming shift in national road fatality statistics for the first 11 months of 2025 shows that more pedestrians (190 fatalities) have been killed than vehicle passengers (186 fatalities), reversing a historical trend where passenger fatalities typically outnumbered pedestrian deaths.
Ongoing Efforts for Pedestrian Safety
Recognizing these severe risks, efforts are underway at both state and local levels to enhance pedestrian safety. Initiatives include educational campaigns for both drivers and pedestrians, and infrastructure improvements aimed at creating safer environments for walking. These efforts are crucial to reverse the rising tide of pedestrian accidents and ensure the safety of all road users. Local authorities continue to investigate Saturday’s incident thoroughly to understand all contributing factors and inform future safety measures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on I-277 in Charlotte?
What happened on I-277 in Charlotte?
A 79-year-old man, Wayne Raymond Cruse, was fatally struck by an SUV while walking on the I-277 ramp to Kenilworth Avenue in Charlotte, North Carolina, on the evening of Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Who was the pedestrian killed on I-277?
Who was the pedestrian killed on I-277?
The pedestrian killed was 79-year-old Wayne Raymond Cruse.
When did the I-277 pedestrian accident occur?
When did the I-277 pedestrian accident occur?
The accident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
What were the conditions of the accident?
What were the conditions of the accident?
Mr. Cruse was reportedly walking in the middle of the I-277 ramp to Kenilworth Avenue, wearing dark, non-reflective clothing. He was hit by a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse.
Was the driver impaired or speeding?
Was the driver impaired or speeding?
The driver, Richard Antonio Wofford, was screened and determined not to be impaired, and speed does not appear to be a factor.
How dangerous is I-277 for pedestrians?
How dangerous is I-277 for pedestrians?
I-277 is described as busy with fast-moving vehicles and is not designed for pedestrian foot traffic, making it a highly dangerous area for those on foot.
What are the pedestrian fatality trends in North Carolina (State-level)?
What are the pedestrian fatality trends in North Carolina (State-level)?
In 2022, 269 pedestrians died on North Carolina roads. From 2018 to 2022, the state experienced a nearly 20 percent increase in pedestrian deaths, with pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities accounting for 16.2 percent of all roadway deaths in 2022. From 2014 to 2024, the number of traffic fatalities in North Carolina increased by 29 percent.
What are the national pedestrian fatality trends (Nationwide)?
What are the national pedestrian fatality trends (Nationwide)?
Nationwide, pedestrian deaths increased 77 percent from 2010 to 2021, and 2022 was the deadliest year for pedestrians on U.S. roadways since 1981. In 2024, preliminary data showed 7,148 pedestrians were killed, and pedestrian deaths soared 80% from 2009 to 2023. In the first 11 months of 2025, more pedestrians (190 fatalities) were killed than vehicle passengers (186 fatalities).
Key Features of Pedestrian Safety on I-277
| Feature | Description | Scope of Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Incident Location | I-277 ramp to Kenilworth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina | Local |
| Victim Age | 79 years old | Local |
| Road Design | I-277 is not designed for pedestrian foot traffic. | Local |
| Charlotte Metro Pedestrian Danger Ranking | Ranked as the “10th worst in the country for pedestrians.” | Local (Charlotte Metro) |
| North Carolina Pedestrian Deaths (2022) | 269 pedestrian fatalities. | State-level |
| Increase in NC Pedestrian Deaths (2018-2022) | Nearly 20 percent increase. | State-level |
| National Pedestrian Deaths (2024, preliminary) | 7,148 fatalities. | Nationwide |
| Increase in Nationwide Pedestrian Deaths (2009-2023) | Soared 80%. | Nationwide |
| Pedestrian Deaths at Night (Nationwide) | More than three out of four occur at night. | Nationwide |
| Pedestrian Deaths without Sidewalks (Nationwide, 2023) | 65% occurred in locations without a sidewalk. | Nationwide |
| Pedestrians vs. Passengers Killed (Nationwide, first 11 months of 2025) | More pedestrians (190 fatalities) than vehicle passengers (186 fatalities). | Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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