Cecilia Ballester Martinez Killed in Fayetteville Accident
The driver crossed the center line and struck the children as their parents pulled them in a toy car
A 2-year-old was killed and a 4-year-old was injured in a pedestrian accident on Mena Drive in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Thursday, April 23, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.
The driver, an 18-year-old from Fayetteville, crossed the center line and struck the children as their parents pulled them in a toy car. The driver was taken to a hospital for treatment, and deputies said charges are pending.
Both children were rushed to a medical facility following the collision. The 2-year-old died from their injuries, while the older child survived with unspecified injuries.
The crash remains under investigation. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office at 910-323-1500 or Crimestoppers.
The sudden loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy. While the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate what caused the driver to cross the center line, legal practitioners note that distraction and speed often play critical roles in pedestrian crashes.
"Fatalities often occur when drivers fail to yield or maintain their lane," said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the state recorded 279 pedestrian deaths in 2024, reflecting a steady increase in roadway dangers. Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 7,314 pedestrian deaths in 2023.
As investigators piece together the sequence of events that led to the crash, the family faces the daunting task of navigating the aftermath.
"The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident," said Stefano Formica, of Bond Legal. "We understand what families are forced to endure, and protecting their rights is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests."
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. North Carolina applies contributory negligence. The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of services and companionship, funeral expenses, and the estate's losses.