Charges for man who killed pedestrian in south Charlotte crosswalk after running red light
A man accused of hitting and killing a pedestrian in a south Charlotte crosswalk after running a red light on Aug. 19 is facing charges.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said Scott Austin, 44, turned himself in Wednesday to be charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle. Police say he struck and killed Eric Macken, 41.
A CMPD press release said Macken was using a crosswalk at the intersection of Pineville-Matthews Road and Providence Road when Austin failed to stop at a red light and collided with another vehicle. Austin’s truck began to spin from the impact, striking Macken and then going on to crash into another vehicle.
Macken was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, and died the next day.
The crash is still under investigation, but police said they don’t believe speed or impairment contributed.
A GoFundMe page started by Macken’s family to help with funeral costs said he would be transported to New York for a funeral and burial.
“He was a remarkable person — funny, incredibly goofy, with an infectious laugh that could brighten any room,” the page said. “His love for music and his ability to see the good in everyone made him truly special. It’s still hard to believe that he’s no longer with us.”
