Just before 6:30 AM Wednesday, Goldsboro Police patrol officers were dispatched to the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 70 E. at Wayne Memorial Drive for a reported traffic crash between a vehicle and pedestrian. Both westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 70 E. were closed while traffic was diverted onto Spence Avenue for the investigation of the incident.
It was determined through the crash investigation that 35-year-old Michael Wayne Pridgen Jr. of Mount Olive was a front seat passenger in a vehicle being driven by Jessica Lynn Ortiz, also of Mount Olive. Ortiz and Pridgen were reportedly having an argument when Pridgen opened his passenger door and jumped out of the vehicle while it was still in motion. Pridgen landed on the roadway and was subsequently struck by another motorist. Pridgen was transported to Wayne UNC Health Care where he died of his injuries.
Ortiz was cited for Driving While License Revoked. The Goldsboro Police Department says no charges will be filed against the driver who struck Pridgen.
