Crime & Safety
Forsyth County, NC: Missing 19-Year-Old Dies After Vehicle Crash
Winston Salem, NC – A 19 year old man who was reported missing in Forsyth County has been identified as the pedestrian who died following a serious vehicle collision Saturday night in Winston Salem, a
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-10-28T19:48:27.696Z
Winston Salem, NC – A 19 year old man who was reported missing in Forsyth County has been identified as the pedestrian who died following a serious vehicle collision Saturday night in Winston Salem, authorities confirmed Wednesday, Oct. 28.
According to the Forsyth County Sheriff 's Office, the victim was identified as Gabriel Bonilla, 19, following a coordinated investigation involving the Winston Salem Police Department and sheriff's detectives.
The collision occurred Saturday, Oct. 24, at approximately 10:50 p.m. near the intersection of Ziglar Road and Nylon Drive.
Pedestrian Suffers Fatal Injuries
Winston Salem police responded to reports of a vehicle striking a pedestrian at the intersection.
Emergency responders transported the injured pedestrian to a local medical facility with life threatening injuries.
Despite medical treatment, Bonilla later died from his injuries.
Investigators initially struggled to identify the victim because he was not carrying any identification at the time of the crash.
Missing Person Report Helps Identify Victim
The following day, Bonilla was reported missing to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.
Detectives from both agencies coordinated their investigations and contacted Bonilla's family, ultimately confirming his identity.
The sheriff's office credited the cooperation between investigators and family members for helping establish the victim's identity.
Crash Investigation Remains Active
Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
The Winston Salem Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Unit continues reviewing the incident, although officials have not released additional information about what caused the crash.
Police confirmed that the driver involved has remained cooperative with investigators.
No criminal charges were announced in the agencies' latest statements.
Both departments expressed condolences to Bonilla's family, friends and loved ones following his death.
The investigation remains in its early stages, and authorities have not announced when additional findings may become available.