5-year-old “Baby Ace” dies after being hit by vehicle while riding mini 4-wheeler in Raeford, NC
The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office has identified a person of interest but no arrests have been made
A 5-year-old child known publicly as “Baby Ace” died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his mini 4-wheeler on Grove Walk Road in Raeford, North Carolina, on June 6. The incident occurred around 4:34 p.m. Deputies from the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office responded and found the child in the roadway with serious injuries. He was transported to First Health Hoke, then airlifted to UNC Health. There, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased around 12:15 a.m. on June 7.
The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating the case as a pedestrian-vehicle collision. As of the latest reports, a person of interest has been identified, but no arrests have been made. Sheriff Roderick Virgil acknowledged the emotional toll on the community and offered prayers for the family and first responders.
The Family’s Account
A family member, Ronda Singleton, shared an emotional and detailed post on Facebook that quickly spread across social media. In the post, Singleton described how 5-year-old Baby Ace was “literally just riding his mini 4-wheeler enjoying the day” in the neighborhood when he was struck by a speeding vehicle on Grove Walk Road.
She alleged that the driver ran over the child, then got out of the car and walked his own son home. Singleton claimed his son was also in the vehicle. Meanwhile, she says Baby Ace was “fighting for his life in the road.” Singleton stated the boy lost his fight and was pronounced deceased at 12:15 a.m. on June 7.
The post included a heartfelt plea for awareness: “So can someone tag NC BEAT or any news outlet you know!!!!” She urged the community to “NC flood social media” and speak on the situation. Singleton noted that she promised Baby Ace’s oldest sister she would help get the word out. The post ended powerfully with “Fly HIGH BABY ACE!!!”
It was accompanied by a smiling photo of the young boy and an image of a man in a vehicle. The man’s identity has not been officially confirmed by law enforcement.
The family’s account has not been independently verified by authorities. The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office has not released details about the driver or the specific circumstances of the collision.
The Investigation Is Ongoing
The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is leading an active death investigation into the pedestrian-vehicle collision that claimed Baby Ace’s life. Deputies responded quickly to the 190 block of Grove Walk Road and have since interviewed witnesses and gathered evidence from the scene. Officials have confirmed a person of interest was identified early in the case. However, as of the latest updates, no arrests have been made, and no one is in custody.
Sheriff Roderick Virgil has stressed the importance of transparency. Meanwhile, he is also urging the public to avoid sharing unverified information that could compromise the investigation. No details regarding the driver’s identity, the vehicle involved, speed, possible impairment, toxicology results, or other specifics have been publicly released to protect the integrity of the case.
The sheriff’s office continues to ask anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to contact them directly at (910) 875-5111.
In a community statement, Sheriff Virgil also addressed a second, separate non-fatal pedestrian incident involving another child that occurred on Poole Road (also referred to as Pool Road) less than 24 hours earlier. That child sustained serious injuries. However, that child is expected to recover. The two incidents are not believed to be connected.
A Community Mourns
The tragic story of Baby Ace has spread rapidly across Facebook through reposts, memorial-style pages, and community shares, generating hundreds of reactions and shares within days. Many commenters expressed deep heartbreak. Those people the child as a bright, energetic boy full of life, laughter, and curiosity who lit up any room he entered. Tributes poured in with messages like “My baby my baby 😭💔,” “So sorry for your loss, he was so handsome,” and prayers for the family. All of this emphasized how suddenly and unfairly his young life was taken.
Discussions have heavily focused on calls for justice and greater awareness around reckless driving in residential neighborhoods. Community members are urging slower speeds, better supervision of children playing outside, and accountability so no other family experiences this pain. Vigils, candlelight memorials, and balloon release alternatives have been mentioned and organized in the Raeford and Hoke County area.
Some reposts and comments claimed the driver had already been taken into custody. However, official sources confirm the investigation remains ongoing with no arrests announced publicly at the time of reporting. The child’s full legal name has not been widely released in mainstream sources to respect family privacy, and local funeral homes in the Raeford area are expected to handle arrangements.
Where is Raeford, North Carolina?
Raeford, the county seat of Hoke County in Eastern North Carolina, is a small but rapidly growing community with a population of approximately 4,550 to 4,600 residents. It serves as the heart of Hoke County. The county itself has grown to an estimated 56,000–57,000 residents. This growth makes it one of North Carolina’s faster-growing counties. The area benefits from its proximity to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), about 25 miles southwest of Fayetteville. Due to the base, the area attracts military families and supporting a mix of retail, education, public services, and suburban development.
Grove Walk Road lies in a residential neighborhood characterized by modest single-story homes, newer subdivisions such as Wood Lake II, green lawns, sidewalks, and family-friendly streets. These quiet suburban settings are typical across Raeford and Hoke County.
There, children often play outdoors in what residents view as safe, close-knit communities. Founded in the early 20th century, Hoke County has roots in agriculture and the lumber industry. However, the region has transitioned toward a more diverse economy. Meanwhile, it also retains its strong military and community ties.
The tragic incident on Grove Walk Road has heightened concerns about traffic safety in residential areas. Local officials continue to monitor community needs as the area expands.
What Happens Next
The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division will continue its thorough review of evidence. This includes scene documentation, witness statements, and any available video or physical evidence. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death. These results typically take several weeks to finalize. Once the investigation concludes, prosecutors will decide whether to pursue charges such as misdemeanor or felony death by vehicle. The decision depends on factors like speeding, impairment, or other violations under North Carolina law.
In the meantime, the family faces the difficult process of grieving and planning memorial arrangements through local Raeford funeral homes. Community members have begun organizing support efforts. Efforts include online fundraisers for funeral expenses and calls for stronger neighborhood safety measures.
Updates from the sheriff’s office are expected as significant developments occur. However, officials have emphasized releasing only verified information to protect the case. Families in similar situations often consult legal counsel regarding potential civil remedies. North Carolina’s statute of limitations generally allows up to three years for wrongful death claims. The focus now shifts from immediate response to long-term accountability, healing, and preventing future tragedies in Hoke County communities.
Moving Forward
The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation. Meanwhile, the Raeford community and Baby Ace’s family are left to navigate an unimaginable loss. The coming weeks will likely bring further updates on charges, autopsy results, and any safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in residential neighborhoods.
In the meantime, many residents are turning their grief into action by advocating for slower speeds, increased awareness, and stronger protections for children playing outdoors. Support for the family—through prayers, fundraisers, and memorial events—remains strong across social media and local networks.
Baby Ace’s bright smile and short life have sparked important conversations about neighborhood safety that could lead to positive change in Eastern North Carolina. The community’s resilience and commitment to justice will guide the path ahead.