Posted: Feb 10, 2026
A 16-year-old passenger, identified as Damiàn Piper, was killed after a vehicle crashed into a bridge abutment on Indiana Avenue early Saturday morning. The juvenile driver was seriously injured but is expected to recover. The crash remains under investigation.
What Happened
Police say officers responded to a crash call around 1:48 a.m. Saturday in the 5700 block of Indiana Avenue. When officers arrived, they found two juveniles injured at the scene.
Investigators determined that a juvenile was driving a 2005 Honda Accord, traveling west on Indiana Avenue toward Bethabara Road, when the vehicle lost control, went off the roadway, and crashed into a bridge abutment before coming to rest in the middle of the road.
Damiàn Piper, 16, was a passenger in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Condition of the Driver
The juvenile driver was transported to a hospital with serious injuries. Police later confirmed that the driver’s condition has improved, and the injuries are not considered life-threatening at this time.
Why This Matters to the Community
The crash has shaken residents near Indiana Avenue, a roadway that sees regular traffic even late at night. Neighbors say the incident highlights safety concerns along the stretch of road where the crash occurred.
Local resident Shikira Adams, who lives nearby, said she encountered the police response while returning home.
“I was going to put flowers there when I get paid … It’s sad. Somebody lost their life there. It’s really sad,” Adams said. “My heart goes out to their family … I’m sorry for your loss.”
The incident underscores the emotional toll such crashes have on families, neighbors, and the broader Winston-Salem community.
What Happens Next
- The crash remains under investigation by the WSPD Traffic Enforcement Unit
- No charges have been filed at this time
- Police say it is not yet known what caused the vehicle to lose control
- Additional details may be released as the investigation continues
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