Asheville Police Declined Charges in Fatal Pedestrian Crash
Authorities cleared a driver following a collision that left an Asheville man dead.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Accidents
Asheville police have officially declined to file charges against a driver involved in a fatal pedestrian accident. The incident occurred on Tunnel Road, resulting in the death of 71-year-old Andrew Joseph Kolvick.
Why it matters
The decision clarifies the legal status of the driver after investigators determined the pedestrian was struck outside of a designated crosswalk. This outcome serves as a formal conclusion to the police inquiry into the September collision.
Asheville police concluded their investigation into the fatal collision involving a 2016 Nissan Rogue and a 71-year-old pedestrian. The department confirmed no charges will be filed against the operator of the vehicle.
The players
Andrew Joseph Kolvick
He was the 71-year-old Asheville resident who died at Mission Hospital following the collision.
Asheville Police Department
The local agency led the investigation into the fatal incident on Tunnel Road.
The details
The collision took place as the 2016 Nissan Rogue traveled east through a green light at the Riceville Road intersection. Investigators found the victim, Andrew Joseph Kolvick, was standing in the road outside of a crosswalk at the time of the impact.
Timeline
The collision occurred on Tunnel Road at 8:16 p.m. on September 10, 2026.
Police announced that no charges would be filed on October 7, 2026.
Legal Context
This investigative outcome follows a pattern set by the 2023 Asheville Traffic Safety Initiative regarding pedestrian right-of-way enforcement. The case underscores the legal threshold for driver liability in accidents occurring outside of marked crosswalks.
Drivers traveling through the Tunnel Road and Riceville Road intersection should remain alert for pedestrians despite the traffic signal timing. Residents are reminded that pedestrian safety relies on using designated crosswalks to maintain visibility to motorists.
The takeaway
Pedestrian safety requires strict adherence to crosswalk usage to ensure visibility and right-of-way protections. Motorists and pedestrians alike should exercise increased caution in busy intersections to prevent similar tragedies.
Further reading
For more information on road safety in the area, visit the Asheville accidents section.
