Hope Cartwright — Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Promising Young Editor

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Summary: Hope Cartwright, 23, a promising associate editor, was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing a downtown street in Richmond, Virginia, on February 16, 2026. Authorities arrested Latesha Coleman, 41, charging her with felony hit-and-run after she fled the scene, claiming she hit a curb despite evidence to the contrary. Cartwright's family and colleagues mourn her loss, highlighting her talent and dedication, reports say.

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RICHMOND, Va. (DailyKenn.com) — A 23-year-old associate editor at a Virginia lifestyle magazine died after being struck by a vehicle in a downtown crosswalk, authorities said, prompting an outpouring of grief from her family, colleagues and the community.

Hope Cartwright was crossing eastbound at the intersection of South 2nd and East Cary streets shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 when a pickup truck turning left from East Cary onto 2nd hit her, according to Richmond police. Officers arrived to find her unresponsive in the northbound lanes and rushed her to VCU Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead from her injuries.

Investigators reviewed traffic camera footage and data from automated license plate readers, identifying the vehicle and its owner within an hour, police Chief Rick Edwards said. Authorities located the truck parked nearby and arrested Latesha Coleman, 41, of Richmond, charging her with felony hit-and-run. Coleman, whose license was suspended, told detectives she believed she had hit a curb, but prosecutors noted no such obstacles existed at the site and reported detecting an odor of alcohol, court records show.

A local resident, Ari Abad, captured the moment on her home security camera. She described the truck turning slowly as Cartwright proceeded through the crosswalk with the pedestrian signal illuminated. "It seemed nearly impossible to miss the pedestrian," Abad told reporters, adding that she and her husband had installed the device due to frequent accidents at the busy corner.

Coleman appeared in court two days later, where a judge denied bond, citing her prior convictions for drug offenses, larceny and failures to appear. Prosecutors emphasized that Cartwright had followed all traffic rules, stating she "did everything she was supposed to." Coleman's next hearing is set for March 10.

Cartwright, a Michigan native and Northwestern University graduate, had joined Virginia Living magazine in 2024 after an internship at Washingtonian in D.C. Colleagues remembered her as exceptionally talented and dedicated. Editor-in-Chief Madeline Mayhood said she last saw Cartwright leaving the office that evening. "I said, 'See you tomorrow,' and within three minutes, she was gone," Mayhood recounted. Publisher John-Lawrence Smith called her "gifted" and on the cusp of a remarkable career, dedicating the magazine's upcoming issue to her memory.

Her family issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their "beautiful, talented, smart and funny" daughter, whose writing had inspired many. They found comfort in their faith, noting she now "rests in peace with our savior Jesus Christ," and thanked first responders, medical staff and the Richmond community for their support while requesting privacy to grieve.

The tragedy has amplified calls for improved pedestrian safety in the city, where 13 walkers died in traffic incidents last year. A memorial of pink flowers grew at the site, symbolizing the shock felt by residents. Mayor Danny Avula described the event as a "stark reminder" of the need for change, reaffirming his commitment to the Vision Zero initiative aimed at eliminating such fatalities. "My heart is heavy as I mourn another life lost on our streets," he said.

Police urged anyone with information to contact investigators.

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