Fatal Crash Investigation in the Central Division
Published on September 11, 2026
Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, Sept. 11, 2026) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the Central Division.
On Wednesday, Aug. 26, at approximately 8:09 p.m., officers responded to a single vehicle crash with injuries call for service at the intersection of Hawthorne Lane and East 5th Street.
Upon arrival, officers located a damaged Harley Davidson motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle, Danny Simmons, 73, was located nearby with life-threatening injuries.
MEDIC transported Mr. Simmons to a local hospital.
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit learned that Mr. Simmons was pronounced deceased at the hospital due to the injuries sustained in this crash.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Simmons was traveling southwest on Hawthorne Lane. Mr. Simmons attempted to switch lanes and was unable to maintain control of the motorcycle causing it to fall on its side.
The victim’s next of kin has been notified of his death
This is an ongoing, active investigation. As further information develops, it will be released by CMPD’s Public Affairs Division. Any witnesses to the crash or anyone with information concerning the crash should contact Detective Kupfer at (704) 432-2169, extension 1. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers. The report number for this case is 20260826-2009-00.
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