Fatal Crash Investigation in the North Tryon Division

Published on May 09, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, May 9, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the North Tryon Division. 

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at approximately 5:43 p.m., North Tryon Division officers responded to a motor vehicle crash into a residential structure in the 5300 block of The Plaza.  Upon arrival, officers discovered a Chevrolet Silverado had struck an unoccupied residence.  Officers also discovered an unresponsive male subject in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.  The Charlotte Fire Department and Medic responded to the scene.  Medic transported the driver, Mark Carden, 58, to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.  

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit and the DWI Task Force responded to the scene and hospital to conduct their investigation.  Members of Crime Scene Search also responded to the scene to collect evidence.  The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Carden was traveling east on The Plaza when his truck veered off the right side of the roadway, struck a guide wire, sideswiped a tree and continued on striking the front of a residence.

Mr. Cardan was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.  

Speed and impairment are not suspected to be contributing factors for this crash.

Mr. Carden’s next of kin has been notified of his death.

The investigation into this crash is active and ongoing.  As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office.  Any person who witnessed the crash or has information about this case is asked to call Detective Kupfer at 704-432-2169, Ext. 1.  The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.  For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20240508-1743-01.

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