Rickey Leon Martin Obituary, Death – A Winston-Salem man has died nearly two weeks after being struck by a vehicle on University Parkway, according to local authorities. The Winston-Salem Police Department reported that 30-year-old Rickey Leon Martin passed away on Friday, succumbing to injuries he sustained from a crash that occurred on the night of September 14.
Officers were dispatched to the scene around 8:50 p.m. after receiving calls about a pedestrian accident on University Parkway near Coliseum Drive. When they arrived, police discovered that Martin had been hit by a car while attempting to cross the roadway.
According to preliminary findings, investigators determined that Martin “darted out” into the northbound lanes of University Parkway. At that moment, a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old motorist struck him. Authorities said the driver immediately remained at the scene and cooperated with officers during the initial investigation.
Martin was rushed to a hospital with serious injuries and remained under medical care for almost two weeks. Despite efforts by medical staff, he died 12 days later, marking another fatal incident involving pedestrians in the city.
Police said that no charges have been filed against the young driver at this time. Early evidence suggests that the driver was unable to avoid the collision due to Martin’s sudden entry into the road. Investigators emphasized that the case remains under review as the Traffic Enforcement Unit continues to examine the circumstances.
The section of University Parkway where the crash happened is a heavily traveled corridor, especially near Coliseum Drive. Traffic frequently moves at higher speeds, and the area has long been considered a challenging stretch for pedestrians trying to cross outside of designated intersections.
Local officials have repeatedly urged residents to use crosswalks and follow pedestrian safety guidelines, as stepping into oncoming traffic without warning can leave drivers with little time to react. Police say this case highlights the dangers pedestrians face when attempting to cross multi-lane roads without proper caution.
Martin’s death adds to a concerning trend in Winston-Salem and across North Carolina. In recent years, pedestrian fatalities have risen significantly, mirroring national statistics that show an increase in such crashes despite improvements in vehicle safety technology. Authorities note that factors such as distracted driving, higher traffic volumes, and pedestrians not using designated crossings contribute to the growing risks.
Community members in Winston-Salem have voiced concern about pedestrian safety along major roads like University Parkway, calling for stronger safety measures such as additional signage, crosswalks, and better lighting in high-traffic zones. Officials have not yet indicated whether changes will be made to the stretch of road where Martin was struck, but the ongoing investigation may shed more light on whether roadway conditions played a role.
As of now, investigators have found no evidence of impairment or reckless driving on the part of the 19-year-old motorist. Police reiterated that the driver is not facing charges at this stage, though the case remains open as additional details are reviewed.
The Winston-Salem Police Department is asking anyone with information or potential eyewitness accounts of the crash to come forward and assist investigators.
Martin’s death is a reminder of the unpredictable dangers present on busy urban roadways. While police continue to investigate, they are also using the case to stress the importance of vigilance for both drivers and pedestrians. For motorists, staying alert and reducing speed in areas with foot traffic can help prevent tragedies. For pedestrians, using designated crosswalks, avoiding sudden entries into the roadway, and making themselves visible to drivers remain key safety practices.
