Fatal Crash Investigation in the North Division

Published on January 20, 2025

Fatal Crash Investigation in the North Division

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, January 20, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal crash that occurred in the 9900 block of Bellhaven Boulevard in the North Division.

On Sunday, January 19, 2025, shortly after 8:30 p.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries in the 9900 block of Bellhaven Boulevard in the North Division. When officers arrived, they located a silver 2005 Ford Freestyle occupied by the driver, Kimberly Ashley Tavarez, 25, and a front-seat passenger, Zachary Paul McCullough, 32. The Ford Freestyle had driven off the right side of Bellhaven Boulevard and struck a tree causing the vehicle to overturn onto its left side. Both occupants were transported to the hospital by MEDIC. Ms. Tavarez was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the collision and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Mr. McCullough was wearing his seatbelt and was treated for minor injuries.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit and the DWI Task Force responded to the scene to begin their investigation. The initial investigation indicates Ms. Tavarez was driving southeast on Bellhaven Boulevard at a high rate of speed when her vehicle left the roadway to the right and struck a tree on the shoulder of the road.

Members of Crime Scene Search (CSS) responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence.

Speed and impairment are suspected factors in this collision. Toxicology results are pending.

Ms. Tavarez’s next of kin have been notified of her death.

This is an ongoing, active investigation. As further information develops it will be released by CMPD Public Affairs. Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, should contact Detective Sessoms at (704) 432-2169 Extension 3 or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600. The public can also visit the Crime Stoppers website at Charlotte Crime Stoppers. The report number for this case is 20250119-2046-00.