A tragic incident unfolded on the streets of the Freedom Division last Wednesday as a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Peterbilt dump truck collided on Wilkinson Boulevard, leaving 44-year-old Michael Ellis Presnell with fatal injuries. The crash, which occurred at around 11:23 a.m. in the 7700 block, also injured a juvenile who was inside the Jeep at the time, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reports.
The Charlotte Fire and MEDIC teams were quick to the scene, where they discovered the heavily damaged Jeep and the dump truck with front-end damage. Despite immediate medical attention and subsequent hospitalization, Mr. Presnell did not survive, passing away on January 2. Per the CMPD, an improper turn by Mr. Presnell may have contributed to the crash, which, notably, did not involve high speeds.
Authorities screened the dump truck driver for impairment and found none; however, the toxicology results for Mr. Presnell are still pending. As investigators continue to piece together the moments leading up to the crash, the CMPD has made an open call for witnesses or any individuals with relevant information to come forward. In the wake of the accident, the CMPD has affirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Mr. Presnell's family has been notified. The public can contribute any information they may have either by directly contacting Detective W. Mercedes or anonymously through Charlotte Crime Stoppers, using their P3 Tips Mobile App or via their website.
