Tragic Hit-and-Run Accident Claims Life of 23-Year-Old Ryan Zadrozny in Charlotte, North Carolina
Ryan Zadrozny, a 23-year-old graduate of Westfield High School’s class of 2020, lost his life in a devastating hit-and-run accident in Charlotte, North Carolina, early Sunday morning. The incident unfolded on December 1 at approximately 2:12 a.m. on West Morehead Street.
According to preliminary investigations, Zadrozny was crossing West Morehead Street in a clearly marked crosswalk with two other pedestrians when a Mercedes-Benz traveling at high speed struck him. The driver, 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 and attempted to stop the vehicle. Darby attempted to evade police, initiating a brief pursuit, which ended when he lost control of the car and crashed.
Darby was apprehended at the scene and transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities confirmed that Darby was under the influence at the time of the crash, and 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, and 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.
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 and is asking any witnesses or individuals with information about the crash to come forward.
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.
