On the evening of Saturday, January 24, 2026, a vehicle lost control on a Lexington street slick from a winter storm. The driver, 47-year-old Luis Alonso Briceno of Lexington, was traveling south on South Main Street near the railroad overpass by Wilfred Avenue. At approximately 9:02 p.m., the car slid off the right side of the roadway and went down an embankment.
While leaving the road, the vehicle struck 67-year-old Barbara Hartwell of Lexington, who was walking on the sidewalk at the time. The impact caused fatal injuries to Hartwell. The vehicle continued its trajectory down the embankment and came to rest in a wooded area. Two juvenile passengers in the car sustained minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Due to the treacherous winter weather conditions and the vehicle’s precarious position in the wooded embankment, authorities were unable to remove it from the scene that night. At the time, all occupants of the vehicle were accounted for, and the body of the pedestrian was not discovered. The investigation indicates that the vehicle’s speed was not appropriate for the dangerous road conditions, which is considered a contributing factor in the crash.
The following morning, at around 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, police were called back to the crash scene after a body was reported in the wood line near the embankment. Officers discovered and identified the body as Barbara Hartwell. The investigation concluded that she was struck and killed during the crash the previous night, though her body had not been found until more than twelve hours later.
Barbara Hartwell was a well-known and beloved figure in downtown Lexington. She was frequently seen walking through the area, often pushing a buggy, and was known for selling her handmade crochet items and raising money for local charities, including Relay for Life. Community members described her as a kind soul and an “icon of the town” who would visit local businesses and chat with everyone.
The Lexington Police Department’s investigation into the crash is ongoing. Authorities are consulting with the District Attorney’s Office to determine whether any charges will be filed against the driver, Luis Briceno. The community of Lexington is mourning the loss of Hartwell, remembering her for her vibrant spirit and the positive impact she had on her neighbors.