A 24-year-old UPS driver, Blake Stewart Laughter, has been charged with felony hit-and-run after a tragic accident in Henderson, North Carolina, that left a 59-year-old pedestrian, Armando Gonzalez, dead.
The crash occurred on March 4, 2025, around 10 p.m. on Dana Road near Katie Drive. According to authorities, Laughter was driving a UPS truck eastbound when he struck Gonzalez. Instead of stopping, he allegedly continued driving to the UPS facility, parked the truck, and later returned to the scene in a personal vehicle with family members.
Emergency responders pronounced Gonzalez dead at the scene. Investigators confirmed that speed and alcohol were not factors in the crash. However, Laughter was arrested on March 7 and charged with felony hit-and-run inflicting serious injury or death.
He was booked at the Henderson County Detention Center and later released on a $10,000 bond. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for April 15, 2025.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and encourage anyone with information to contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol or local law enforcement.
