Fatal accident takes pedestrian’s life

Police identified the pedestrian struck and killed by a motorist on River Road on Tuesday night as Washington High School student Aaron Spruill, 17.

Around 11:30 p.m., Spruill was hit by a 2003 Chrysler minivan, driven by Washington resident Herman Windley. Windley was traveling west in the inside lane of the five-lane road. He is not expected to face charges.

According to the N.C. State Highway Patrol, it is unclear whether Spruill was walking in the road or trying to cross it when he was hit.

“He was standing close to the center line,” said Sgt. L.K. Respess.

Spruill’s dark clothing and lights from oncoming traffic likely played a part in the motorist’s inability to see him.

Spruill was walking home from a friend’s house when he was hit by the passing vehicle. He was unconscious at the scene, and transported to UHS-Beaufort Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“The speed limit there is 45. There was no indication (Windley) was exceeding the speed limit at all,” said Respess. “It’s just an unfortunate situation.”

Sarah Hodges, public information officer for Beaufort County Schools, confirmed that Spruill was a junior at Washington High School, having transferred to the school last year.

“We had counselors available at the school as soon as we found out,” said Hodges.

The counselors will be available for as long as students need them, she said.