RALEIGH, N.C. — Heartbreak strikes the North Carolina State University community as 41-year-old Dr. Natalia Duque-Wilckens, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, has tragically died after being struck by a car while walking in Raleigh on Tuesday evening.
According to the Raleigh Police Department, the crash occurred around 6:11 p.m. at the intersection of Pogue Street and Clark Avenue. Officers responding to the scene found Dr. Duque-Wilckens suffering from severe injuries after being hit by a vehicle while walking in the crosswalk. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries a short time later.
Authorities identified the driver as 19-year-old Jack Etheridge, who remained at the scene and cooperated with police. He was not injured and has since been charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
The tragic loss of Dr. Duque-Wilckens has left colleagues, students, and friends in deep mourning. She was widely respected for her dedication to education, her passion for science, and her compassion toward others. Colleagues describe her as an inspiring educator whose warmth and curiosity left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
In a statement, members of the NC State community expressed their sorrow, saying, “Dr. Duque-Wilckens was not only a brilliant researcher but a kind soul who cared deeply about her students and her work. Her passing is an unimaginable loss for our department and our university.”
As investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the crash, many are calling for greater pedestrian safety measures in the area — a growing concern near the university’s campus.
Friends, students, and loved ones are gathering online and in person to honor Dr. Duque-Wilckens’s life and legacy. Messages of love and remembrance continue to pour in from across the academic community.
💐 Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
May Dr. Natalia Duque-Wilckens rest in eternal peace, and may those grieving her loss find comfort and strength in the days ahead.