CHARLOTTE, NC — A 74-year-old man was tragically killed early Saturday morning, July 5, 2025, after being struck by a car that veered off the road during a crash on North Tryon Street. The victim, identified as Ace Nathaniel Chambers, was standing on the sidewalk near East Sugar Creek Road when the collision occurred. He was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) reported that the incident took place just before 1 a.m., and officers arrived to find Chambers unresponsive, lying near a heavily damaged 2007 Chrysler 300. The vehicle, driven by 35-year-old Willie Sturdivant, had two juvenile passengers at the time of the collision.
The Sequence of Events: The Crash and the Aftermath
According to CMPD’s initial investigation, two vehicles were involved in the crash, which led to one of them striking Mr. Chambers while he was standing on the sidewalk. However, authorities have not yet determined which of the two vehicles made contact with Chambers. Additionally, the driver of the vehicle responsible for the crash fled the scene before police arrived.
Sturdivant, the driver of the Chrysler 300, was charged with driving while impaired (DWI), although police are still working to determine if speed or impairment played a role in the crash involving the second vehicle, which left the scene. At this time, details about the second vehicle and its driver remain unclear, and authorities are actively seeking assistance from the public to track down the individual responsible for fleeing.
The Investigation: Seeking the Fleeing Driver
The investigation into this tragic incident is still ongoing. CMPD is reviewing available surveillance footage from the area, interviewing potential witnesses, and gathering additional evidence to piece together the chain of events leading to Ace Nathaniel Chambers’ untimely death.
Investigators have urged anyone who may have knowledge about the incident or witnessed anything related to the crash to come forward. Those with information are encouraged to contact a CMPD detective at 704-432-2169, extension 3, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 704-334-1600.
Community Reactions and Safety Concerns
The area where the crash occurred, near the busy intersection of North Tryon Street and East Sugar Creek Road, is known to be highly trafficked, particularly on weekends. The early morning timing of the incident has raised concerns about impaired or reckless driving, especially at hours when visibility is low and the risk of accidents is higher.
Residents and community members have expressed their shock and sorrow over the death of Mr. Chambers, who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Local businesses and nearby residents have shared tributes to the victim, remembering him as a kind and quiet member of the community.
“It’s a tragedy that someone like him could be taken so suddenly, especially when it seems like it could have been avoided,” said a local neighbor. “This area can be busy late at night, but it’s still shocking to hear about something like this happening so close to home.”
Uncertainty Surrounding the Juvenile Passengers
Police have not released any details about the juvenile passengers in Sturdivant’s vehicle or whether they sustained any injuries in the crash. Investigators are still reviewing the incident in its entirety, including determining the extent of any injuries suffered by the juveniles involved.
At this stage, the identities of the juveniles and any potential involvement they may have had in the incident remain under investigation. Police have confirmed that the juveniles are not being charged in relation to the crash but have provided no further details about their condition.
Impaired Driving and Public Safety
This incident highlights the ongoing concern over impaired driving and the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel, especially during overnight hours when the risk of accidents involving intoxicated drivers is heightened.
Police Chief Johnny Jennings emphasized the need for increased awareness and caution on the roads. “Impaired driving is a serious issue, and we must all be aware of the risks it poses not only to ourselves but to everyone else on the road,” said Jennings in a public statement. “We are committed to keeping our community safe and are asking for the public’s help in bringing the responsible parties to justice.”
Next Steps in the Investigation and Legal Proceedings
As the investigation into the fatal crash continues, legal proceedings are expected to unfold rapidly, with further charges likely depending on the findings from police and ongoing investigations. Sturdivant, who is already facing charges for driving while impaired, could face additional charges as more information becomes available.
In addition, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of pursuing charges against the driver of the second vehicle involved in the crash, should they be identified. The fact that the vehicle fled the scene complicates the investigation, and law enforcement is focusing on tracking down the individual responsible for leaving the scene of the accident.
Conclusion: The Community Mourns
The tragic death of Ace Nathaniel Chambers has left a lasting impact on the community of Charlotte. His family, friends, and neighbors are grappling with the sudden and violent loss of a man who was simply going about his day when the unthinkable happened.
As authorities continue their investigation, they remain committed to bringing the responsible parties to justice and ensuring that similar incidents can be prevented in the future. The community, meanwhile, is left to reflect on the life lost and the need for greater awareness and responsibility when it comes to impaired and reckless driving.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has pledged to provide further updates on the investigation as more details emerge. The residents of Charlotte and the family of Ace Nathaniel Chambers continue to mourn his loss while hoping for justice and accountability in the wake of this devastating event.
For updates, residents are encouraged to monitor CMPD’s official channels and remain vigilant in their commitment to safety.