Hickory Man Killed on I-40

A Hickory man has died after being struck by a vehicle early Wednesday morning on Interstate 40 in Catawba County.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, troopers responded at approximately 6:45 a.m. on February 19 to I-40 eastbound near Exit 126 in Catawba County.

Investigators say a 2025 Acura Integra traveling east on I-40 collided with a pedestrian in the roadway. The pedestrian was identified as Bruce Matthew Hoyle, 35, of Hickory.

Hoyle was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of his injuries. The driver of the Acura was treated for minor injuries.

The initial investigation determined that Hoyle walked into oncoming traffic. Troopers say neither speed nor impairment were contributing factors in the crash, and no charges will be filed.

During the on-scene investigation, eastbound lanes of I-40 were partially closed for several hours, causing traffic delays in the area.

The investigation remains ongoing.