Pedestrian Struck and Killed in Asheville
A 60-year-old Asheville man died after being hit by a vehicle on New Leicester Highway.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Accidents
Johnny Tweed, 60, was killed early Sunday morning after being struck by a vehicle while walking in the travel lanes on New Leicester Highway in Asheville. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol arrived at the scene shortly after the incident occurred.
Why it matters
The fatality highlights the dangers of pedestrians walking in active traffic lanes during nighttime hours. Authorities have concluded their initial investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that no charges have been filed against the driver following the fatal collision near 525 New Leicester Highway.
The players
Johnny Tweed
He was a 60-year-old resident of Asheville who died following the collision.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling state roads and investigating traffic incidents in North Carolina.
The details
A vehicle traveling northwest on the highway struck the pedestrian, who was walking within the travel lanes at the time of the impact. The incident occurred near 525 New Leicester Highway during the early morning hours.
Timeline
The collision occurred on September 28, 2026.
Troopers responded to the scene at 3:30 a.m. on September 28, 2026.
Legal Context
This incident follows a pattern of fatal pedestrian collisions on multi-lane highways in North Carolina where state investigators frequently determine whether local traffic laws were violated. Recent legal precedents in the state often hinge on pedestrian positioning within travel lanes when evaluating the filing of criminal charges against motorists.
Residents should exercise extreme caution when near New Leicester Highway, as pedestrian visibility remains a primary safety concern for the local community. No security advisories or road closures were issued following the conclusion of the on-site investigation.
The takeaway
Pedestrians are urged to utilize sidewalks or designated crossings whenever possible to avoid high-speed travel lanes. Carrying reflective gear or light sources can significantly increase visibility for drivers during late-night travel.
Further reading
For more information on local traffic safety and incident reports, visit Asheville Accidents.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLOS.
