Troopers: Salisbury woman walking to mailbox hit, killed by drunk driver

SALISBURY, N.C. — The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating after a woman was hit and killed by a car while walking to her mailbox.

The crash happened around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday on Airport Road in Salisbury.

Troopers said 34-year-old Sonya Dalton was at her mailbox getting her mail when 29-year-old Tasheka Barnes lost control of her vehicle and struck her.

Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene.

"We are still in shock," Dalton's sister, Colleen Johnson, said.

Dalton has an 11-year-old daughter.

"They were always together," Johnson said.

Authorities said alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash.

Barnes has a previous DWI conviction.

Dalton's mother was inside the home at the time of the incident.

"(She was) trying to come out with a blanket, seeing if she could help whoever is in need,” Johnson said. “She had no clue that she would actually be coming out here to help her own daughter."

Troopers said Barnes had a blood alcohol level of 0.22, which is nearly three times the legal limit.

(Tasheka Barnes)

Troopers charged Barnes with driving while impaired and said charges for vehicular homicide are pending.

"It's just a tragic situation,” Highway Patrol Sgt. R.D. Mendenhall said. “(It) could have been avoided."

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for more information. 

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