SALISBURY — A Salisbury man died early Tuesday morning after he was accidentally hit while walking along U.S. 29 about two miles north of China Grove.
Dirk Leonard James, 54, of Swink Avenue, had just left Hot Spot convenience store at 6:30 a.m. He was wearing dark clothes, and the driver of a 2003 Toyota Tundra pickup driving south on U.S. 29 did not see him, according to N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper D.R. Morgan. The pickup hit James.
The driver – Jhony Hernandez, 24, of China Grove – was cited for having no operator’s license, Morgan said.
Speed was not a factor in the accident, the trooper said.
James’ fiancee had just dropped him off at the store where he bought a drink and headed for home.
James’ family told the trooper he walked slowly because of a medical condition and had a problem with his neck that prevented him from “looking up,” the trooper said.
In addition to the Highway Patrol, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and Locke Fire Department also assisted at the scene. Locke firefighters directed traffic.