Raleigh Mourns the Tragic Loss of NC State Assistant Professor Natalia Duque-Wilckens Following Fatal Pedestrian Accident

💔 Raleigh Mourns the Tragic Loss of NC State Assistant Professor Natalia Duque-Wilckens Following Fatal Pedestrian Accident

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Raleigh community and academic circles across North Carolina are mourning the heartbreaking and untimely loss of Dr. Natalia Duque-Wilckens, a 41-year-old assistant professor at North Carolina State University, who was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle Tuesday evening. The devastating accident occurred around 6:11 p.m. at the intersection of Pogue Street and Clark Avenue, a busy area near the university campus.

According to the Raleigh Police Department, Dr. Duque-Wilckens was walking in the area when she was struck by a vehicle under circumstances that remain under investigation. Despite immediate efforts by emergency responders and bystanders to render aid, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The driver involved stayed and cooperated fully with investigators. Police have not yet released information regarding potential charges, noting that the collision investigation remains ongoing.

News of her passing has sent shockwaves through North Carolina State University, where Dr. Duque-Wilckens was known not only as a brilliant scholar but as a compassionate mentor, a passionate educator, and a deeply respected colleague. Her work focused on neuroscience and behavioral biology, particularly examining the effects of stress and social interactions on the brain.

“Dr. Duque-Wilckens was an extraordinary scientist and an even more extraordinary human being,” said one of her colleagues from NC State’s Department of Biological Sciences. “She brought light, curiosity, and compassion into everything she did — her research, her teaching, and her relationships with students.”

Originally from Colombia, Dr. Duque-Wilckens joined NC State’s faculty after earning her Ph.D. and conducting postdoctoral research that gained international attention for its insights into how the brain regulates social behavior. Her colleagues describe her as “brilliant yet humble,” a scientist who inspired others to pursue discovery not just with intellect, but with empathy and purpose.

Students have also expressed their sorrow and disbelief, sharing stories of how Dr. Duque-Wilckens went beyond her academic duties to support them both personally and professionally.

“She always had time for her students,” said one undergraduate advisee. “She cared about us as people — she celebrated our successes and helped us through our struggles. The world feels emptier without her.”

In the hours following the tragedy, members of the NC State community gathered at the intersection of Pogue Street and Clark Avenue, where candles, flowers, and handwritten notes have been placed in remembrance. Messages such as “Forever in our hearts, Dr. D” and “Thank you for believing in us” reflect the profound impact she had on so many lives.

University officials released a statement Wednesday morning expressing their deepest condolences to her family and loved ones:

“We are heartbroken by the loss of Dr. Natalia Duque-Wilckens, a cherished member of our Wolfpack family. Her dedication to her students, her passion for science, and her kindness toward others will continue to inspire our community. We extend our thoughts and prayers to all who knew and loved her.”

The tragic accident has also prompted renewed conversations about pedestrian safety in the city, particularly in high-traffic areas surrounding the NC State campus. Local residents and advocates have called for improved lighting, clearer crosswalks, and reduced speed limits to prevent future tragedies.

“We can’t afford to lose another life like this,” said one local advocate for pedestrian safety. “Dr. Duque-Wilckens was doing something as simple and human as walking home — this should never have happened.”

As her family, friends, and colleagues grapple with this unimaginable loss, plans are underway for a memorial service on campus to celebrate Dr. Duque-Wilckens’s life and contributions to science and education. The university has also announced that counseling and grief support services will be made available to students and staff affected by her passing.

Her loved ones describe her as a joyful spirit, someone whose laughter filled rooms and whose kindness left a lasting imprint on everyone she met. Beyond her academic brilliance, she was known for her love of art, travel, and nature — passions she often shared with her students and colleagues.

“She lived with purpose and compassion,” said a close friend. “Natalia believed in the goodness of people and in the power of knowledge to make the world better. That’s how she’ll be remembered.”

As Raleigh mourns this devastating loss, the community honors Dr. Natalia Duque-Wilckens not only for her scientific achievements but for her humanity — for the way she lifted others, inspired minds, and left a legacy that will endure far beyond the walls of NC State.

May her light continue to guide those she inspired, and may her soul rest in eternal peace. 🕯️💐