Cecilia Ballester Martinez dies in Fayetteville pedestrian accident

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 26, 2026
Cecilia Ballester Martinez dies in Fayetteville pedestrian accident

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.


PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Each year, pedestrian fatalities continue to rise across the United States, with many of these tragedies considered preventable through attentive driving. In the first half of 2024 alone, approximately 3,304 pedestrians were killed in crashes nationwide, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

“Access to proper resources is crucial when investigating pedestrian accidents and establishing negligence,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.

“Factors such as road conditions, visibility of signage, and lighting must be carefully evaluated as part of a thorough investigation. These steps are essential to help families who have lost a loved one pursue justice,” Bond added.

“Accident reconstruction teams are often necessary to determine exactly how a crash occurred. These resources play a key role in helping victims and families recover compensation after a serious collision,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Accident Injury News.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

“It is generally the responsibility of drivers to yield to pedestrians,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family of the young victim may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

“Families who lose a loved one in such incidents may seek compensation for loss of companionship, income, emotional distress, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering,” Formica explained.

An attorney can act as an advocate, helping guide families through the legal process during a difficult time while ensuring their rights are protected.

“Insurance companies often attempt to pressure victims into accepting quick settlements that may not reflect the true value of a claim,” Formica added. “An attorney will work diligently to ensure fair compensation and respectful treatment.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you.

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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