Ryan Zadrozny Obituary, Death – Ryan Zadrozny, a 23-year-old graduate of Westfield High School’s class of 2020, lost his life in a hit-and-run accident in Charlotte, North Carolina, early Sunday morning. The incident unfolded on Dec. 1 at approximately 2:12 a.m. on West Morehead Street.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officers responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival at the 300 block of West Morehead Street, they discovered an unresponsive man lying in the roadway. The victim was later identified as Zadrozny, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Incident Details
Preliminary investigations revealed that Zadrozny, along with two other pedestrians, was crossing West Morehead Street in a clearly marked crosswalk. While crossing, a Mercedes-Benz traveling southeast at high speed struck Zadrozny. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 40-year-old Mache Ulysses Darby, fled the scene immediately after the collision.
The two individuals accompanying Zadrozny were unharmed in the incident. Officers from the department’s Central Division located the Mercedes-Benz a short distance from the crash site. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, Darby attempted to evade police, initiating a brief pursuit. This chase ended when Darby lost control of the car and crashed.
Darby was apprehended at the scene and transported to a hospital by emergency medical personnel for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Driver’s Impairment and Charges
Authorities confirmed that Darby was under the influence at the time of the crash. Excessive speed and impaired driving were cited as significant factors contributing to the tragic incident.
Darby now faces multiple charges, including:
- Felony death by vehicle
- Felony hit-and-run
- Felony flee to elude
- Reckless driving
This is not the first time Darby has faced serious charges related to reckless driving. According to police records, he was previously involved in another fatal hit-and-run incident in 2011. In that case, a pedestrian was killed, and Darby fled the scene. He was later charged with felony hit-and-run, driving with a revoked license, and possession of marijuana. Although found guilty of the hit-and-run, he received a suspended sentence at the time.
Community Shock and Appeal for Information
The news of Zadrozny’s death has left his family, friends, and the broader Westfield High School community in mourning. Those who knew him described him as a kind-hearted individual with a bright future ahead.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to seek assistance from the public. Detectives are asking any witnesses or individuals with information about the crash to come forward. Detective Mercedes can be reached at 704-432-2169, extension 5, or through Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the Crime Stoppers website at charlottecrimestoppers.com. The case number for this incident is 20241201-0212-01.
A Call for Safer Streets
This tragic incident highlights ongoing issues surrounding reckless and impaired driving, which remain significant threats to public safety. Authorities urge drivers to adhere to speed limits and avoid driving under the influence to prevent further loss of life.
As the investigation continues, the community reflects on the devastating impact of this loss and hopes for justice to be served. Ryan Zadrozny’s untimely passing serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of road safety and the enduring consequences of irresponsible behavior behind the wheel.
