Local
Rock Hill mother of three killed crossing Cherry Road; family demands safer streets
Angelica Baxter, 37, was struck and killed by a pickup truck on Cherry Road last Monday, the second pedestrian death in Rock Hill in 48 hours. Her family is calling for road safety changes and answers as police continue to investigate.
ROCK HILL, S.C. â A Rock Hill family is grieving and demanding answers after 37-year-old Angelica Baxter, a mother of three, was struck and killed by a pickup truck while crossing Cherry Road last Monday evening.
Baxter, known to loved ones as Angel, was hit near Main Street around 6:30 p.m., according to Rock Hill police. Her death marked the second pedestrian fatality in the city within 48 hours â and the second time this family has lost someone this way.
"It broke my heart. It broke my heart," said her mother, Vanessa Foster. "My daughter was a beautiful daughter, sweet daughter, loving daughter, caring daughter."
Foster learned the news from her nephew, Helzar Baxter, who received the call and relayed it to her. "And I told her please don't tell me my baby's gone," Foster recalled.
Rock Hill police said their Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team responded to the scene. According to police, Baxter was crossing outside a crosswalk and was wearing dark clothing. It was not immediately clear whether speed was a factor, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Cherry Road is known for heavy traffic, and the family says the crash has intensified their concerns about pedestrian safety in the corridor.
"A lot of our children are getting killed and nothing is being done about nothing," Foster said.
Baxter leaves behind three children, ages 10, 12 and 18. Relatives said the younger two are still in elementary and middle school, and the family has started a GoFundMe to help cover expenses and support the children.
"Her children has to be taken care of still they are elementary and middle school children," Helzar Baxter said.
The family is also pressing for accountability and for changes that would make streets safer for pedestrians.
"Fight, fight, fight for justice. No matter the circumstances, no matter how it's going to turn out, you fight until you get an answer," Helzar Baxter said.
Their message to drivers is simple: slow down.
"We are God's children. Have love and a heart for people, slow your car down," Foster said.
A candlelight vigil was planned for Monday night on Cherry Road near Main Street to celebrate Baxter's life and the light she left behind. Her family said they want closure, justice and peace.
"She was a beautiful girl and she didn't deserve it. I just want justice and peace," Foster said.