Driver charged with DWI after woman killed while walking in South End

A driver is facing DWI charges after fatally hitting a woman in Charlotte’s South End Sunday evening, according to police.

Investigators say Gregory Alan Wheeling, 30, was driving an Audi on South Boulevard near Remount Road around 5 p.m. when 28-year-old Kelli Sue Putnam, who was walking along the sidewalk, stepped in front of the car and was hit.

Medic pronounced Putnam dead on scene. Putnam worked at Mac’s Speed Shop, a nearby popular restaurant.

“The entire Mac’s Speed Shop family is devastated by the loss of Kelli Putnam, who made a tremendous impact on us all,” said a statement from the restaurant. “We feel fortunate to have had an opportunity to know her as a friend and valuable member of our team. Kelli will be greatly missed by all of us.”

The restaurant owner said Putnam is featured in a Mac’s commercial posted on YouTube.

Jessica Ingalls, who said she and Putnam became best friends as teenagers in New York, came to mourn at the site where Putnam died. Ingalls said Putnam was “witty, fun, loyal and real.” She said they had an incredible connection as best friends and always had each other’s back.

Wheeling is charged with DWI and aggravated felony death by vehicle. Police say four passengers were in the car with Wheeling. Wheeling and the passengers were not injured.

Wheeling is expected to appear in court Tuesday afternoon.

Any witnesses are asked to call CMPD detectives at 704-336-3229.

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This story was originally published January 18, 2016 at 5:05 PM with the headline "Driver charged with DWI after woman killed while walking in South End."