A Carrboro community member died on Monday morning after being struck by two vehicles while attempting to cross Interstate 40 near the Orange and Durham county line.

A release from the Durham Police Department said 44-year-old Benito Briones was the pedestrian involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash reported around 12:45 a.m. along the interstate near Exit 273, which leads to North Carolina Highway 54. Briones was returning to his vehicle on the side of the interstate, according to police, after he ran out of gas. As he tried to cross I-40 on foot, investigators said he was struck by an SUV traveling west before being struck again by a passing semi-truck.

Durham Police said Briones was pronounced dead at the scene.

All westbound lanes of Interstate 40 closed for around seven hours during Monday’s early morning hours as police investigated the crash. The SUV’s four occupants stayed on scene, cooperated with investigators, and reported no injuries to police. Investigators, however, are still searching for information on the semi-truck driver who failed to stop after striking Briones. Durham Police said as a result, the crash remains under investigation.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the fatal crash or who may have information about the truck involved to contact Investigator J.T. Rose at 919-475-4149. Additionally, people can use the CrimeStoppers hotline (919-683-1200) to leave anonymous tips and potentially earn cash rewards for information leading to arrests.

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