The small community of Bridgeton is reeling after the sudden death of 67-year-old Linda Williams — killed Wednesday night while crossing U.S. Highway 17 near Fisher Street. Friends, neighbors and loved ones are still trying to come to terms with the loss of a woman many described as soft-hearted, generous, and always ready to help anyone in need.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, troopers responded at 8:44 p.m. after reports of a pedestrian struck at the intersection of Fisher Street and U.S. 17 — just outside the local Hardee’s. Investigators say Williams was walking across the southbound lanes when a white pickup truck pulling a trailer struck her. The driver tried to swerve, but could not prevent the collision.
Williams was rushed to CarolinaEast Medical Center in nearby New Bern, but tragically, she did not survive her injuries. The Highway Patrol said initial findings do not indicate alcohol or drug use on the part of the driver, and no charges are expected at this time.
For many in Bridgeton, Williams was more than a neighbor — she was a kind, caring constant. People recall her as someone who offered support without hesitation, whether through a listening ear, a comforting word or simple acts of kindness. Her genuine concern for others made her a cherished presence in the community.
Now, that presence is gone. At homes and in the streets she once walked, there’s a quiet grief. Loved ones speak softly of the hole left by her absence, sharing memories of her laughter, her kindness, and the warmth she brought to everyday life.
In the coming days, friends and family are expected to gather to honor Williams’s memory, sharing stories of the gentle, compassionate woman they lost. And though the grief is heavy, her legacy — of kindness, empathy, and connection — remains alive in the hearts of those who knew her.
Bridgeton may be mourning now, but many are certain of one thing: Linda Williams’s spirit — her generosity of heart and depth of care — will linger on, quietly shaping the community she loved and was loved by.
