Fatal Crash Investigation in the University City Division

Published on May 10, 2023

Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, May, 10, 2023) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian in the University City Division.

On Thursday, May 4, 2023 at approximately 5:50 a.m., University City Division officers responded to a motor vehicle collision with injuries in the 11200 block of North Tryon Street.  Upon arrival, officers located a pedestrian lying in the roadway with serious injuries and a damaged 2017 Ford Fusion.  The Charlotte Fire Department and Medic responded to the scene.  Medic transported the pedestrian to Atrium Health Main with life threatening injuries.  The pedestrian later succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the crash.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit and Crime Scene Search responded to the scene of the crash to conduct their investigation.  The preliminary investigation indicates the pedestrian, Jay Thomas Lynch (DOB: 02/02/1970), was wearing dark clothing and walking in the roadway along North Tryon Street in a dark and poorly lit area, when he stepped into the path of the Ford.  The driver of the Ford, Paul Bryan Hunter (DOB: 03/02/1993), swerved his vehicle left, but was unable to avoid hitting Mr. Lynch.

Speed and impairment are not believed to be factors in the crash for Mr. Hunter.  Impairment is suspected for Mr. Lynch.  Toxicology results are pending.

Mr. Lynch’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 Pressley at 704-432-2169, Extension 2. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers.  For additional information about this crash, please refer to the report: 20230504-0550-01.

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