FAYETTEVILLE, NC, (April 23, 2026) – A 2-year-old girl was killed and multiple others were injured Thursday in a pedestrian crash in Fayetteville, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Troopers said the incident occurred shortly before noon on Pummill Road near Mena Drive. An 18-year-old driver, identified as Abinijah Lavon Lewis, was traveling southbound in a white Dodge Avenger when the vehicle crossed the centerline while navigating a curve and continued onto the shoulder.
Authorities reported that the car struck 33-year-old Esperanza Ballester, who was walking while pulling her two children in a plastic toy car. The impact forced the toy car underneath the vehicle before the Dodge veered right and struck a fence post.
Cecilia Ballester Martinez, 2, was transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.
Her 4-year-old brother, Alexander Ballester Martinez, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill for specialized care. Their mother was also hospitalized.
The driver was injured in the crash and transported to a local hospital.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident and is asking witnesses to come forward.
