A tragic event unfolded in University City Division, as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) reported a fatal vehicle crash that claimed the life of a pedestrian. According to a statement from CMPD, on the evening of October 21, around 9:11 p.m., 66-year-old Dale Lee Byrd was struck by a Hyundai Santa Fe while lying in the roadway on Harris Houston Rd.
The CMPD's Major Crash Investigation Unit, along with several other divisions, promptly responded to the 2200 block of the unfortunate incident, where they discovered Mr. Byrd with life-threatening injuries; he was later pronounced dead at the scene by MEDIC. The Charlotte Fire Department had arrived as well to assist. In conjunction with the efforts of the investigators, members of Crime Scene Search (CSS) collected physical evidence, furthering their meticulous probe into the harrowing circumstances surrounding the event.
The preliminary findings suggest that the Hyundai was traveling east when the incident occurred, and the driver, who was not injured in the crash, is likely grappling with a nightmare that unfolded so swiftly on that road, while toxicology results for Mr. Byrd are pending; his family has been notified of this heartrending loss. The statement, provided by the CMPD, illuminates a reality that such personal tragedies are often anonymized in the flow of traffic reports, statistics, and investigation updates, yet they carry the weight of worlds ending for those left in the wake of grief.
As the investigation presses forward the detectives encourage witnesses or anyone with pertinent information to step forward, directly contacting Detective Kupfer at 704-432-2169 ext. 1, or to remain anonymous, individuals may call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, use their mobile app P3 Tips or visit their website; these avenues serve as conduits for the community to assist in the unfolding narrative where every detail, every memory bears the potential to piece together the final moments of Dale Lee Byrd's story and perhaps bring a measure of understanding, if not solace, to those bereft, seeking closure in the wake of such a sudden departure.
