Family members of a man who fell to his death off the Beltline in Raleigh on Friday, are now wondering if his death could have been prevented.

Carroll Eames Jr., who family members said had been living in Raleigh, stopped his vehicle and got out to help after an accident Friday evening on the Beltline near the Glenwood Avenue exit.

His family believes Eames jumped over a barrier to avoid an oncoming vehicle and fell in between the median, not knowing there was a drop down to Crabtree Creek.

"You can't understand why something would be left like that," said Eames' father, Carroll Eames Sr.

The state Department of Transportation put up fencing on the opposite side of the Beltline after a similar tragedy four years ago, but did not put up fencing on the side where Eames fell.

"They should have fixed it the first time," said his sister, Marie Tanner. "No one should die like that."

Tanner described Eames as a kind, sweet person with a big heart.

"I haven't slept in two days. I'm kind of numb," she said.

She said Eames had recently re-connected with his ex-wife and planned to marry her in April. The couple shared a 10-year-old daughter.

A DOT spokesman said Sunday evening they were waiting for the final police report, and would then look to see if any changes need to be made.

Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker said he would make a request that the DOT look at changes in that area, and similar sections of road across Raleigh.

Two people involved in Friday's accident praised Eames for risking his life to warn others.

Robin Rapkin and her father, Edward Rapkin, were driving on the Beltline when they saw an accident ahead, and Eames, who was standing and waiving at oncoming traffic to slow down.

"Thanks to the gentleman at the side of the road waving his hands, it gave us the time we needed to get the brakes on," Edward Rapkin said.

Their vehicle had minor damage and they were not injured.

Eames' family said they had not made funeral arrangements as of Sunday evening.