Fatal Crash Investigation in the Metro Division
Published on October 24, 2026
Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle in the Metro Division.
On Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at approximately 8:32 p.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries involving a motorcycle in the 2300 block of Wilkinson Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers located the rider of the motorcycle, Wildt Hardin, 21, in the roadway with life threatening injuries. A Yamaha motorcycle and a Chevrolet Blazer were located in the roadway, both with heavy front-end damage. The driver of the Chevrolet, Lanaija Brown, 26, remained on scene. MEDIC transported Hardin to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased due to injuries sustained in the collision.
Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit and officers with the DWI Task Force responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. Members of Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and to collect physical evidence. The Charlotte Fire Department also responded to the scene.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Hardin was riding the Yamaha outbound on Wilkinson Boulevard at a high rate of speed. Brown was making a left-hand turn from Wilkinson Boulevard onto West Morehead Street when the collision occurred. Brown was screened for impairment and found to not be impaired.
Speed is a factor in this case for the victim. Further investigation is needed to determine if impairment is a factor for the victim.
Hardin’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Division. Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, should contact Detective Worthy at 704-432-2169, extension 4. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20261023-2032-02.
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