CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police say a driver is facing charges after a pedestrian was hit and killed in southeast Charlotte Monday morning.
The accident happened just after 6am on Monroe Road near Sardis Road. Investigators say Daniel Wheeler, a former volunteer firefighter with the Waxhaw Fire Department, was struck by a vehicle while he was crossing the road. Wheeler died from his injuries.
Police say Wheeler was crossing mid-block and was not in a crosswalk. The driver of the vehicle, Grigory Kolesnik, has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving. Detectives say Kolesnik had a vision obstruction due to an icy windshield, which contributed to the crash.
Alcohol and speed are not contributing factors in this crash, according to a news release. The crash remains under investigation.
Wheeler served as a firefighter and EMT with the Waxhaw Volunteer Fire Department for about 12 years in the late 80’s and early 90’s, officials say. Officials say Wheeler was also one of the first African-American firefighters for the Waxhaw VFD.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
