James Owens was hit and killed while crossing US 29 North near McKnight Mill Road. On Saturday his family and friends came together to release balloons in his honor.
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Dozens of friends and family of a Greensboro man who was hit and killed while trying to cross U.S. 29 gathered Saturday to remember his life.
The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office said one of its workers hit 58-year-old James Owens on Wednesday around 5:07 p.m. The Greensboro Police Department said Owens walked into traffic on U.S. 29 near McKnight Mill Road.
“I was hurt. I was really hurt, shocked, didn’t know what to think. Emotions going everywhere,” Pamela Herbin said, recalling when she heard the tragic news.
Herbin had been one of Owens’ closest friends for the past 40 years. She said they spoke for the last time earlier in the day, words she said will stay with her forever.
“He called me about one something and we was just talking in general. And, um, the last thing he told me is that he loved me and if he never got to say it again, just remember that he loved me. That always sticks with me,” Herbin said.
A memorial now marks the spot where Owens took his last steps.
Family members said they’re unsure why Owens was crossing the highway that night or why he didn’t use the pedestrian bridge to cross.
Those who knew him described him as the heartbeat of their family — a joyful, dependable soul they’ll never forget.
“He’s really funny. He loves family, he loved friends and he’s, you know, he’s the life of the party,” said Rachel Corbett, Owens’ cousin.
“When I think of James, I think of somebody who never gave up. If you was having a bad day, he ain’t gonna give up on making you smile,” said Tanneesha Hendrix, Owens’ niece.
The city of Greensboro is taking steps to make roads safer and prevent pedestrian crashes. It recently secured $735,000 for its Safe Streets program, funds that will go toward street lighting, speed cameras, and reducing lanes to slow traffic.
The driver whose car hit Owens is a Guilford County Sheriff’s Office employee. The Greensboro Police Department said the driver was in a county vehicle, driving home after their shift.
Police said they are cooperating with the investigation. No charges have been filed. The Greensboro Police Department said the crash reconstruction investigation is ongoing.
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