CARY, N.C. – An elderly man was struck and killed Monday morning while attempting to cross a busy Cary intersection, police confirmed. The fatal crash happened just after 7:30 a.m. at the junction of SW Maynard Road and Kilmayne Drive, an area known for heavy commuter traffic. Emergency crews rushed to the scene but were unable to save the victim, who was pronounced dead at the site.
Authorities later identified the pedestrian as 84-year-old Anthony Brancaccio, a longtime Cary resident. Investigators said Brancaccio was attempting to cross SW Maynard Road but was not within a marked crosswalk when he was hit by an oncoming vehicle. Officials noted that his location in the roadway may have played a role in the deadly impact, though the investigation is still ongoing.
The driver involved immediately stopped and cooperated with police, according to officials. Detectives have not released the driver’s identity, and no charges have been filed at this stage. Police emphasized that once all evidence is reviewed, including crash reconstruction data, a determination will be made about whether citations or charges are appropriate. For now, investigators stressed that nothing suggests impairment or reckless driving on the part of the motorist.
The crash forced authorities to temporarily close three lanes of SW Maynard Road as traffic investigators documented the scene. Commuters experienced delays throughout the morning as officers worked to gather measurements, photograph evidence, and reconstruct the sequence of events. The roadway was reopened once the on-site investigation was complete, but officials say their work continues behind the scenes.
Pedestrian safety has long been a concern in Cary, particularly at busy intersections like SW Maynard and Kilmayne. Police are now reviewing factors such as visibility, traffic signal timing, and vehicle speed to determine how the collision occurred. While weather and road conditions were not initially reported as contributing factors, detectives are not ruling anything out. Officials again reminded the public of the importance of using marked crosswalks and obeying pedestrian signals to reduce the risk of accidents.
Brancaccio’s death has sparked renewed conversations in Wake County about protecting older residents in high-traffic areas. Seniors are among the most vulnerable road users, often facing mobility challenges and slower reaction times. Community advocates have urged city planners to improve crosswalk visibility, expand pedestrian signal access, and strengthen lighting at intersections to prevent further tragedies. As the investigation continues, neighbors have expressed sympathy for Brancaccio’s family and for the driver involved, both left devastated by the accident.