Breaking News: Charlotte Bicyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident, Driver Found

Charlotte, North Carolina – February 23, 2024 – According to the Charlotte Observer, a car struck and killed a bicyclist wearing a reflective vest and flashing light Friday night in the Steele Creek area before fleeing the scene, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) said in a news release.

Christopher Ryan Starr died at the crash scene in the 12600 block of South Tryon Street, according to CMPD. That’s near a busy commercial area where South Tryon Street intersects with Steele Creek Road.

Starr was bicycling in the outbound right lane near the curb. He was wearing a reflective vest and a flashing light on his helmet when he was struck by a white Mazda CX-5 driven by Christian R Diaz Castillo, police said in a news release. The car’s front right corner struck the back of the bicycle, which sent Starr flying onto the sidewalk, according to police.

Police, the Charlotte Fire Department and Medic responded around 11:29 p.m. They found a damaged bike and an unresponsive man when they arrived. Medic pronounced Starr dead at the scene, a news release said.

Speeding and reckless driving were contributing factors in the crash, police said.

Castillo fled the scene, but was located later by police officers, a news release said. He now faces charges of felony hit and run and involuntary manslaughter.

Police say the investigation remains active. Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, can contact Detective Mercedes at (704) 432-2169 Ext No. 5 or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600. The public can also visit the Crime Stoppers website at charlottecrimestoppers.com.

Our thoughts are with Christopher’s friends, family, and loved ones.

The Ramsay Law Firm has attorneys who are Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation claims to help individuals with severe injuries and death claims.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way. Call 704-376-1616 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.