Breaking News: Tree of Life Honors Lives Lost on North Carolina Roads: A Family’s Tragic Story Inspires a Call for Safer Driving

Raleigh, North Carolina — December 7, 2024 — According to ABC 11,

The glowing lights in downtown Raleigh evoke a mix of emotions, particularly for those who have endured personal loss.

Standing in front of the State Capitol, the Tree of Life displays 1,686 lights—each symbolizing a life lost on North Carolina’s roads in 2023. Among these tragedies, 377 crashes were linked to impaired driving. Tragically, one incident also claimed the life of a Forsyth County officer.

Even as time passes, the pain remains raw for many families.

One of those lost was 22-year-old Elijah Jayden Hawkins-Maynor, a promising student at UNC. His life was tragically cut short in October 2023 when he was a passenger in a vehicle traveling 113 mph in a 45 mph zone on Page Road in Durham. The car lost control, skidded across the median, collided with a tree, and overturned. While three of the occupants, including the driver, survived with injuries, Elijah did not.

His parents, Rosalind and Almer, continue to grapple with their loss, often reflecting on their son’s final moments.

“We thank God that Elijah had a strong personal faith and that, in his time of trouble, he prayed,” Rosalind shared.

Remarkably, the grieving parents harbor no resentment toward the driver. Instead, they aim to spread a message of safety and awareness, especially during the holiday season. They hope their story can inspire others to make responsible choices—avoiding speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence—so future tragedies can be prevented.

“The decisions we make carry consequences. We encourage everyone to be mindful, think carefully, and support each other to avoid experiencing heartbreak like ours,” said Almer.

While road fatalities in North Carolina have gradually declined in recent years, state officials stress that the fight is far from over.

“We need to continue enforcing strict laws, but we also have emerging technology that can help reduce these numbers further,” noted Mark Ezzell of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

The Ramsay Law Firm has attorneys who are Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation claims to help individuals with severe injuries and death claims.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way. Call 704-376-1616 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.