James Madison University student Ashley Elizabeth Williams of Williamsburg, Virginia has sadly passed away. She died on Friday 14th June 2024 after being involved in a deadly accident Kill Devil Hills accident. At approximately 1:08 a.m., the Kill Devil Hills Police Department responded to a motor vehicle collision on US 158 (South Croatan Highway) near Ocean Acres Drive. The accident involved a vehicle and a pedestrian and resulted in the pedestrian’s death.
How did the accident happen
According to the preliminary investigation conducted by the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, a 2021 Jeep Wrangler, driven by 43-year-old Crystal Laskowski from Kill Devil Hills, was traveling southbound on US 158 in the outside travel lane. The pedestrian, identified as 20-year-old Ashley Elizabeth Williams from Williamsburg, Virginia, ran eastward into the highway, directly into the path of the Jeep Wrangler.
Tragically, Williams was struck by the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation revealed that neither speed nor alcohol were contributing factors in the incident for Laskowski. This suggests that the collision was an unfortunate accident with no immediate signs of negligence or impairment on the part of the driver.
The Kill Devil Hills Police Department expressed their condolences to the family of Ashley Elizabeth Williams. They also extended their gratitude to the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department, Dare County EMS, the Nags Head Police Department, and the Dare County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and telecommunicators for their assistance in managing the incident.
The community of Kill Devil Hills is deeply saddened by this event. The police department and other emergency services worked diligently to handle the situation with the utmost care and professionalism. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety and awareness on roadways. As the investigation continues, the Kill Devil Hills Police Department will remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
