Reginald Denard Carson Obituary, Death; Police: 67-year-old man dies in North Patterson Avenue crash in Winston-Salem

Reginald Denard Carson Obituary, Death – Late Saturday night, a tragic incident on North Patterson Avenue in Winston-Salem claimed the life of a 67-year-old man. Police reports indicate the event occurred around 11:44 p.m. and involved a complex sequence of circumstances leading to the fatality.
Authorities identified the deceased as Reginald Denard Carson. According to the Winston-Salem Police Department, the chain of events began when Carson was observed holding onto the passenger side of a moving 2009 Nissan Altima, gripping through the open window. The Nissan was being driven southbound by 35-year-old Abdou Lahath Diakhate, with 37-year-old Mor Kane in the passenger seat.
As the Altima began to slow down, Carson lost his grip and fell into the northbound lanes of traffic. At that moment, 36-year-old Christian Nicole Evans was driving a 2007 Honda Accord northbound. Police stated that Evans was unaware Carson had fallen into her path. The Honda struck Carson shortly after he hit the roadway. Emergency responders arrived, but Carson was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Investigators have not yet released details about why Carson was holding onto the Nissan or how the situation initially began. The unusual nature of the incident has prompted a thorough review by the Winston-Salem Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit, which is examining all aspects of the crash, including the actions of both drivers and the victim.
Officials have not announced any charges or citations at this time, emphasizing that the investigation is still in its early stages. They are working to piece together witness statements, possible surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction evidence to fully understand the sequence of events.
The section of North Patterson Avenue where the crash occurred was closed for several hours overnight as investigators documented the scene and collected evidence. Traffic was eventually restored after police completed their on-site work.
Incidents like this are rare and particularly complex because they involve both unusual pedestrian behavior and multiple moving vehicles. Authorities hope the investigation will shed light on what led Carson to be in such a dangerous position and whether any contributing factors, such as speed, visibility, or impairment, played a role.
The Winston-Salem Police Department is urging anyone who may have witnessed the event or has relevant information to come forward to assist in their inquiries.
While the investigation continues, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictability of roadways and the importance of awareness for both drivers and pedestrians. Police stressed that even minor distractions or lapses in judgment can have tragic consequences, particularly at night when visibility is reduced.
No additional injuries were reported from the crash, and both drivers involved remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement. Authorities have extended condolences to Carson’s family as they seek answers about the circumstances that led to his death.