Driver runs away after Plaza Midwood crash that killed a woman, police say
A 23-year-old woman died in a crash involving a hit-and-run driver suspected of speeding and running a stop sign in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood late Thursday, police said.
Sophie Klippel was pronounced dead at the scene in the 1400 block of The Plaza, according to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department news release.
Klippel was a passenger in a Kia Soul hit by a Honda Odyssey, police said. The Honda driver abandoned the car and ran away, according to CMPD.
2 injured, police say
The Kia driver, Lena Klippel, 21, and her mom, 62-year-old Kelly Klippel, were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries, police said. Sophie Klippel, Lena Klippel’s sister, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car, according to CMPD.
The wreck happened around 10:10 p.m. at the intersection of The Plaza and Hamorton Place, CMPD reported.
Police urged anyone who saw or has information about the crash to call CMPD Detective Andrew Worthy at 704-432-2169, extension 4, or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line at 704-334-1600.
GoFundMe for family
By Thursday, March 26, a GoFundMe for the Klippel family’s medical bills and Sophie Klippel’s funeral service raised $30,390 toward a $35,000 goal.
This story was originally published March 14, 2026 at 12:07 PM.