It happened around 3 a.m. near Jones Sausage Road in Wake County.
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The hit-and-run took place on the eastbound side of the interstate.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to the fatal crash on I-40 eastbound near the 303-mile marker. A Chevrolet SUV entered an active work zone that was taking place in three lanes. The SUV hit and killed a construction worker that was working at the time.
The worker has been identified as 33-year-old Claude Tyler Bryant, from Rocky Mount. On social media, his employer described him as a hardworking leader known for staying a head of schedule. He had been promoted to superintendent in 2021 but still loved to be present on jobsites and lend a hand whenever needed.
Bryant leaves behind his fiancé of 16 years and four children.
After the fatal crash, the driver ran away but was caught by law enforcement soon thereafter.
The driver has been identified as 20-year-old Jeyson Alexander Murica-Guillen, from Smithfield.
Troopers say speed and alcohol were contributing circumstances to the crash.
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All lanes have since reopened.