Christopher Starr Obituary – The vehicle crash that resulted in the death of a bicyclist in southwest Charlotte on Friday, February 23, is currently under investigation by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). According to CMPD, officers were called to the scene of the crash at around 11:30 p.m. The incident occurred in the 12600 block of South Tryon Street and involved a bicyclist.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a heavily damaged bicycle on the sidewalk and an unresponsive male, later identified as Christopher Starr. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
Based on their investigation, detectives determined that Starr was riding his bicycle in the right lane on S. Tryon Street, heading outbound towards the intersection of Steele Creek Road. He was wearing a reflective vest and had a flashing light on his helmet.
The driver of the Mazda CX-5, identified as Christian Castillo, was also traveling on S. Tryon Street in the same direction as the bicycle. The front right corner of the Mazda collided with the bicycle, causing Starr to be thrown into the air and land on the sidewalk.
After the collision, Castillo fled the scene. However, he was later located and identified by officers.
CMPD has charged and arrested Castillo with felony hit and run and involuntary manslaughter, according to officials.