Investigators say it appears the 42-year-old Gloria Espinosa Balderas and six others were trying to cross the highway when three were struck.
There was heavy damage to the car that hit them - including a smashed windshield. Balderas died at the scene of the accident. The two family members were rushed to UNC Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Police say there was no pedestrian crosswalk at the unlit section of Highway 54 they were walking on.
The investigation continues. No charges have been filed.
