WINSTON-SALEM, NC – A 30-year-old Winston-Salem man has died from injuries he sustained after being struck by a vehicle nearly two weeks ago, police confirmed Friday. Rickey Leon Martin passed away on September 26, 2025, following a 12-day fight for his life. The incident has intensified community concerns about pedestrian safety along the heavily-traveled University Parkway corridor.

The Night of the Collision

The tragic sequence of events began on the night of Sunday, September 14, 2025. At approximately 8:50 p.m., the Winston-Salem Police Department received multiple calls reporting a pedestrian-vehicle collision on University Parkway near Coliseum Drive.

Responding officers arrived to find Rickey Leon Martin with serious injuries. According to the preliminary investigation conducted by the WSPD’s Traffic Enforcement Unit, Martin was attempting to cross the road outside of a designated intersection. Investigators reported that he “darted out” into the path of a northbound vehicle, driven by a 19-year-old motorist.

Police noted that the young driver, whose identity has not been released, was unable to avoid the collision due to Martin’s sudden entry into the roadway. The driver immediately stopped, remained at the scene, and has been fully cooperating with the investigation.

A Tragic Outcome and an Ongoing Investigation

Martin was immediately transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment of what were described as life-threatening injuries. For nearly two weeks, medical staff worked to save his life, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries 12 days after the crash.

The Winston-Salem Police Department has stated that no charges have been filed against the 19-year-old driver at this time. Investigators have found no evidence to suggest impairment, distraction, or reckless driving on the part of the motorist. The case, however, remains open and is under active review by the Traffic Enforcement Unit.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash on September 14 to come forward with any information that could assist in the ongoing investigation.

A Dangerous Corridor and a Disturbing Trend

The section of University Parkway where the collision occurred is a multi-lane, high-speed corridor that has long been a source of concern for pedestrian safety. Community members have previously called for safety enhancements in the area, such as better lighting, more visible signage, and additional designated crosswalks to protect those traveling on foot.

Martin’s death is part of a larger, troubling trend of rising pedestrian fatalities in Winston-Salem and across North Carolina. Officials note that despite advancements in vehicle safety technology, a combination of factors—including higher traffic volumes and pedestrians crossing in unsafe locations—continues to contribute to these tragic incidents.

In the wake of this death, authorities are once again issuing urgent safety reminders. Pedestrians are urged to use designated crosswalks, make themselves visible to drivers, and never assume a driver can see them. For motorists, the message is to remain vigilant, reduce speed in high-traffic areas, and always be aware of their surroundings.