A Whitakers woman was killed early today while walking in the dark on N.C. 301 in the Bricks Community.

According to reports from the N.C. State Highway Patrol, at approximately 6 a.m., Lashuana Katrice Hinton, 29, was walking in the travel lane south, in the northbound lane when a 2000 Chrysler mini-van, driven by Stacey Renee Whitaker, 37, of Enfield, traveling south on N.C. 301, passed another vehicle and did not see Hinton, who was dressed in dark clothing in the dark morning hours.

The driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs; it is not known if the deceased was impaired or not.

The driver was not charged. Troopers are calling it an accident.

The mini-van sustained minor damage. Whitaker was taken to Nash Nash General Hospital for observation, where she was treated and released.

"We would like to remind people to wear white clothing when they walk," said State Highway Trooper J.S. Collins. "If they wear dark clothing, it makes it difficult for drivers to see them. Also pedestrians should never walk in the travel lane. They can't assume all drivers will see them. They should stay out of the travel lane at all times."