JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — A heartbreaking tragedy has left the Johnston County community reeling after 29-year-old James Rudzki, a dedicated utility worker, was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash on Wednesday evening. The devastating incident has not only claimed the life of a hardworking young man but also left friends, coworkers, and loved ones struggling to comprehend the senselessness of his death.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred along a stretch of roadway where Rudzki had been performing maintenance work. Authorities said he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene immediately after impact, leaving him fatally injured. Emergency crews arrived quickly, but despite their best efforts, Rudzki was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators have since launched an intensive search for the driver responsible, reviewing nearby surveillance footage and appealing to the public for any information that may help identify the vehicle involved. “This was a hardworking man doing his job — someone’s son, someone’s friend,” one state trooper said. “Leaving the scene of a crash like this is unthinkable, and we are determined to find the person responsible.”
Rudzki was known throughout Johnston County as a dependable and kind-hearted individual who took pride in his work and in helping others. His colleagues described him as someone who always put safety first and who went out of his way to lend a hand to teammates on and off the job site. Friends remember his warm smile, easygoing nature, and his devotion to his family.
Neighbors and community members have begun placing flowers and candles near the site of the crash in a growing roadside memorial — a quiet tribute to a life taken too soon. Messages of grief and support have poured in on social media, with many calling for justice and stronger protections for roadside workers.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and State Highway Patrol continue to investigate and ask anyone with information about the vehicle or driver to contact authorities immediately.
As the investigation continues, the community’s focus remains on honoring James’s memory — remembering him not only for the tragedy of his passing but for the life he lived with integrity, kindness, and purpose. His loss is deeply felt, and his legacy will continue to resonate with all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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