Larry Lamont McQueen Obituary: Pedestrian Dies Nearly 4 Months After Being Struck by Vehicle on Tunnel Road, Asheville Police Report

The city of Asheville is mourning the loss of 47-year-old Larry Lamont McQueen, who tragically died from injuries sustained in a vehicle-pedestrian collision that occurred earlier this year. McQueen, who was struck on March 3, passed away on June 27, nearly four months after the accident, which marks a somber milestone as the fifth pedestrian fatality in Asheville for 2025. His death serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding pedestrian safety in the city, a concern that has only intensified as the number of motor-vehicle-related fatalities continues to rise.

The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. on March 3 in the 200 block of Tunnel Road, a stretch of roadway that lacked a designated crosswalk where McQueen was attempting to cross. According to the Asheville Police Department’s initial investigation, McQueen stepped into the roadway in an area not intended for pedestrian crossing when he was struck by a westbound 2021 Toyota Sienna minivan. The collision left McQueen severely injured, and emergency responders transported him to Mission Hospital, where he would remain for months while receiving medical treatment.

Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, McQueen succumbed to his injuries on June 27, following complications that arose from the crash. His death marks a tragic end to a prolonged period of suffering, and it adds to the already troubling statistics for the city, which has now witnessed five pedestrian fatalities in just the first half of 2025. McQueen’s passing also represents the twelfth motor-vehicle-related fatality in Asheville for the year, underscoring the dangerous trend of increasing traffic-related deaths.

Police reports indicate that McQueen was cited for impeding traffic when he stepped into the road in an unsafe manner, as the area did not have a crosswalk. This citation highlights a key element in the investigation, pointing to McQueen’s action of crossing the road outside of designated pedestrian areas, which ultimately contributed to the tragic outcome. The driver of the Toyota Sienna minivan remained at the scene following the crash and fully cooperated with the authorities during the investigation.

Following further review and consultation with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, it was determined that no criminal charges would be filed against the driver of the minivan. Investigators concluded that the driver was not at fault, as McQueen was crossing the road outside a crosswalk in the dark, in an area that was not intended for pedestrian use. The findings indicate that the driver had no way of avoiding the collision, given the circumstances.

In light of McQueen’s death, the Asheville Police Department has reiterated its growing concerns about pedestrian safety in the city. The number of pedestrian fatalities in Asheville in 2025 has already reached an alarming rate, and city officials are urging both pedestrians and drivers to exercise heightened awareness and caution, particularly during late-night hours when visibility is limited. With McQueen’s passing, the city has faced a stark reminder of the risks that pedestrians take when crossing streets outside of designated crosswalks, and the added dangers posed by poor visibility during nighttime hours.

The investigation into the incident has officially been closed, with authorities underscoring the critical importance of using marked crosswalks and following traffic laws. As the city continues to deal with an increase in motor vehicle fatalities, the Asheville Police Department is calling on the public to make safer decisions on the road. Whether behind the wheel or on foot, the responsibility to stay vigilant and prioritize safety falls on everyone.

McQueen’s death has raised crucial questions about how the city can better address pedestrian safety, especially as more incidents like this one continue to occur. The growing trend of pedestrian-involved accidents, combined with the rise in motor vehicle fatalities, has spurred discussions about the need for more visible crosswalks, improved lighting in high-traffic pedestrian areas, and stronger community education on traffic safety.

As Asheville grapples with these complex safety concerns, McQueen’s passing is a somber reminder that pedestrian-related traffic incidents are often multifaceted, involving a variety of circumstances, factors, and behaviors. Each case must be thoroughly investigated to ensure fairness and justice for those affected. The police department and city officials will continue to evaluate pedestrian safety measures as they strive to reduce the number of tragic accidents on Asheville’s roads.