Manuel Vienes Killed in Jacksonville Pedestrian Accident
Driver charged with felony death by vehicle and DWI after fleeing the scene on Rocky Run Road
Manuel Vienes was killed in a pedestrian crash on Rocky Run Road in Jacksonville on Thursday, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The vehicle drifted out of its lane and struck the Vienes with its side mirror before fleeing the scene, troopers said. Vienes was jogging along Rocky Run Road at the time of the collision.
Troopers arrested 25-year-old Nicholas Proctor at his home hours after the crash, charging him with felony death by vehicle, felony hit-and-run, and driving while impaired. Investigators reported detecting an odor of alcohol on the driver and ordered a blood draw. The suspect appeared in Onslow County court on Friday to face additional charges of reckless driving and failure to maintain lane control. A magistrate set bond at $50,000.
The crash marks the second fatal collision involving suspected impairment in Onslow County within a 10-day period.
How do criminal charges impact the collision investigation on Rocky Run Road?
While law enforcement pursues felony charges against the driver who fled the scene, independent investigators will also examine the road to preserve evidence for the victim's family.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Fleeing the scene after striking a pedestrian destroys evidence fast, scattering paint chips, glass fragments, and vehicle debris across pavement before police arrive. Locating a fleeing vehicle often depends on doorbell cameras, traffic cameras, and body-shop repair records pulled within days of impact."
"An attorney acts as an advocate to collect evidence from multiple sources before time runs out," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
What are the legal options for families affected by impaired driving in Onslow County?
The criminal prosecution of a drunk driver serves to penalize the offender, but it does not automatically provide financial restitution to the grieving family. In cases involving felony hit-and-run and driving while impaired, the establishment of gross negligence plays a critical role in parallel civil proceedings.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,080 pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2024 in U.S. traffic collisions, with impaired driving remaining a leading factor in fatal incidents.
North Carolina wrongful death statute
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.
"Navigating legal steps can feel completely daunting for surviving relatives facing immense personal grief," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "Guiding families through unfamiliar procedural requirements, an attorney supplies clear direction while handling difficult legal burdens with genuine human care."