ROBESON COUNTY, SC – Authorities in North Carolina are investigating a deadly hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a pedestrian early Wednesday morning in Robeson County. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the victim has been identified as Gary Brayboy, a resident of Pembroke. Officials confirmed that the incident occurred shortly before sunrise, around 5:39 a.m., on Mt. Zion Church Road near the Hoke County line.
When troopers arrived, they found Brayboy deceased at the scene. Investigators determined that both Brayboy and the vehicle involved had been traveling southbound on Mt. Zion Church Road. At some point, the vehicle struck Brayboy and then fled without stopping to render aid.
Troopers reported that Brayboy had been walking in the roadway at the time of the crash. Authorities also noted that he did not appear to be wearing reflective clothing or any visible attire that might have made him easier to see in the dim early-morning light. This factor is believed to have contributed to the circumstances of the incident.
Despite these details, investigators emphasized that leaving the scene of a crash is a serious crime. The Highway Patrol is now working to identify the vehicle and driver responsible. They have not released any potential descriptions of the car involved but are asking for assistance from the public.
Brayboy was pronounced dead on-site, with no opportunity for emergency medical intervention. Officials have not released his age, but family members and the broader Pembroke community are now mourning his sudden and tragic passing.
The case underscores the dangers that pedestrians face on rural roadways, particularly in areas without sidewalks, streetlights, or pedestrian crossings. Officials explained that early-morning hours often present low-visibility conditions, making pedestrians particularly vulnerable if they are not wearing reflective or bright clothing.
Highway Patrol officers also reminded drivers of their legal responsibility to remain at the scene of any collision, regardless of the circumstances. “Leaving the scene not only endangers lives further but also carries serious legal consequences,” a spokesperson said.
The investigation into the fatal hit-and-run remains ongoing. Troopers are piecing together evidence from the crash site in hopes of tracking down the driver. Authorities are also reviewing whether surveillance cameras in the surrounding area might have captured footage of the vehicle.
Community members in Pembroke have expressed shock and grief over Brayboy’s death. Some have voiced concerns about pedestrian safety in the area, urging both drivers and walkers to exercise greater caution on rural roads.
The Highway Patrol has asked anyone with information about the crash or the vehicle involved to contact them immediately. Even small details, such as seeing a vehicle with recent front-end damage, could prove critical in solving the case.
In the meantime, authorities are using the tragic incident to remind pedestrians to follow safety guidelines when walking near or along roadways. They stress the importance of wearing visible or reflective clothing, walking on sidewalks when available, and facing oncoming traffic if walking along the roadside.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol extended its condolences to Brayboy’s family, acknowledging the heartbreak and devastation caused by the sudden loss.
As the investigation continues, residents of Robeson County are left with questions about the driver who fled the scene and hopes that justice will soon be served.
