Hickory police investigate fatal traffic crash

The Hickory Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash involving a pedestrian that occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, on US Hwy 70 SW in Hickory.

Hickory Police responded to reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on US Hwy 70 SW between 12th Street SW and 13th Street SW around 11:25 p.m. The pedestrian was identified as Sonia Gooslin Stovall, 56, of Hickory. Stovall was pronounced deceased on scene.

Stovall was attempting to cross from the south side of US Hwy 70 SW when a 2018 Jeep Compass, driven by Alex Dula, 47, of Connelly Springs, was traveling west in the far-left lane and struck Stovall.

Dula was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, driving while license revoked and failure to reduce speed. He was given a $8000 unsecured bond.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact MPO Aaron Travis at atravis@hickorync.gov or call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.