Richmond — The victim in a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred Wednesday evening has been identified as Hope Cartwright, 23, an associate editor with Virginia Living Magazine.
In a statement released to readers, the publication confirmed that Cartwright was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while crossing Cary Street late yesterday afternoon.
“It is with profound sorrow that I write to you today with devastating news. Our Associate Editor, Hope Cartwright, was tragically struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while crossing Cary Street late yesterday afternoon,” the magazine said. “Hope was all of 23 years old—gifted, dedicated, and one of the most talented members of the Virginia Living team. She stood at the threshold of what would have been a remarkable career, and her absence leaves a wound that words cannot adequately express.”
According to the Richmond Police Department, officers with the Fourth Precinct responded around 5:34 p.m. to the intersection of South 2nd Street and East Cary Street for a report of a pedestrian struck. Officers located an adult female lying unresponsive in the northbound lanes of South 2nd Street. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died. The driver had fled the scene prior to police arrival.
Investigators determined the pedestrian was inside the crosswalk crossing 2nd Street eastbound when she was struck by a vehicle making a left turn from East Cary Street.
The RPD Crash Team, working alongside the Capital City Intelligence Center, utilized traffic-camera footage and Flock automatic license plate reader technology to identify the suspected vehicle and its registered owner. Within approximately an hour of the collision, officers located the vehicle and made contact with the owner.
Police arrested Latesha Coleman, 41, of Richmond, who has been charged with felony hit and run.
“This is an excellent example of good police work from Fourth and First precinct officers and Crash Team investigators, aided by CCIC and the narrow, sharp focus of Flock technology to produce a rapid arrest for this tragic collision,” said Rick Edwards, Chief of Police.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact RPD Crash Team Detective K. Quinn at (804) 646-6190 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the P3 Tips app.
