Woman walking from bar hit and killed in Leland

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Alcohol likely contributed to the death of a Belville woman who walked into the path of a car on US 17 early New Year’s Day, according to the NC Highway Patrol.

It happened around 1:00 a.m.

Trooper J.M. King says Helena Louise Shaw, 52, got out of a car in the parking lot of Willoughby’s in Leland. She crossed the southbound lanes of US 17 and the median, then attempted to cross the northbound lanes of US 17 when a car hit her.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car, Gary Ruezinsky, 67, of Leland, will not be charged. Trooper King says Ruezinsky was not speeding and alcohol did not play a factor on his part.

King says a medical examiner will do a blood draw on Shaw, but based on the evidence at the scene, alcohol was a contributing factor on her part.

Leland Fire Rescue and EMS responded.

Ruezinsky and his wife, who was in the car with him, were not injured.

The northbound lanes of US 17 were closed for about an hour and a half while the Highway Patrol investigated.