Ryan Zadrozny 23-Year-Old, Killed in High-Speed Hit-and-Run, Driver Mache Ulysses Darby Arrested Following Pursuit
Introduction to the Tragedy
The vibrant future of 23-year-old Ryan Zadrozny, a 2020 graduate of Westfield High School, was cut tragically short in the early hours of Sunday, December 1, 2024. Ryan lost his life in a hit-and-run collision while crossing West Morehead Street in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident, which occurred around 2:12 a.m., not only claimed a promising young life but also left a community grieving and calling for action against reckless and impaired driving.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police discovered Ryan unresponsive at the scene in the 300 block of West Morehead Street. Despite prompt arrival, paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. This heartbreaking loss has reverberated through his family, friends, and the broader community, who remember Ryan as a kind, hardworking, and compassionate individual.
Incident Details: The Moments Leading to the Collision
Preliminary investigations revealed that Ryan, accompanied by two friends, was crossing West Morehead Street at a clearly marked crosswalk. The street, located in a bustling part of Charlotte, was moderately trafficked at the time. Witness accounts and surveillance footage show the group proceeding cautiously across the crosswalk when a Mercedes-Benz, traveling at an estimated 80 mph in a 35-mph zone, struck Ryan.
The driver, identified as 40-year-old Mache Ulysses Darby, did not slow down or stop after hitting Ryan. Instead, Darby fled the scene, leaving a trail of devastation behind.
While Ryan’s two companions escaped physical harm, they witnessed the horrifying events unfold and stayed to assist emergency responders in identifying details about the vehicle and driver.
The Pursuit and Arrest of Mache Ulysses Darby
Officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Central Division located Darby’s vehicle a short distance away. The Mercedes-Benz, showing signs of severe damage consistent with the collision, was spotted attempting to evade detection.
When officers tried to stop the vehicle, Darby initiated a high-speed chase through Charlotte’s streets. The pursuit ended abruptly when Darby lost control and crashed into a guardrail.
Darby, found conscious but injured, was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Blood tests conducted at the hospital confirmed that Darby was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Charges Against Darby: A History of Reckless Behavior
Darby now faces a litany of charges, including:
- Felony death by vehicle
- Felony hit-and-run
- Felony flee to elude
- Reckless driving
This tragic incident marks the second time Darby has been implicated in a fatal hit-and-run. In 2011, he struck and killed another pedestrian in a similar incident. At that time, Darby was charged with felony hit-and-run, driving with a revoked license, and possession of marijuana. Despite the severity of the charges, he received a suspended sentence, a decision that many now view as a missed opportunity to prevent further tragedy.
Remembering Ryan Zadrozny: A Life Filled with Promise
Ryan Zadrozny’s death has left an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. A graduate of Westfield High School’s Class of 2020, Ryan was described by teachers and peers as a bright and hardworking student with a deep passion for learning. He excelled academically and was an active participant in various extracurricular activities, including the school’s robotics team and debate club.
After high school, Ryan pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at a local university, with dreams of designing innovative technologies to benefit society. Friends recall his determination to make a difference in the world. “Ryan was one of those people who lit up every room he walked into,” said Sarah Collins, a close friend. “He was brilliant, funny, and so full of life. It’s hard to imagine he’s gone.”
Ryan’s family has issued a statement expressing their grief:
“Ryan was the heart of our family. He had so much to give and so much he wanted to achieve. We are devastated by his loss but grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.”
Community in Mourning: Outpouring of Support
The Westfield High School community has come together to honor Ryan’s memory. On Sunday evening, dozens of classmates, teachers, and neighbors gathered for a candlelight vigil at the school’s football field. Attendees shared stories about Ryan’s kindness, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to his goals.
“Ryan was an inspiration to everyone around him,” said Mr. Douglas Hammond, one of his high school teachers. “His potential was limitless, and his passing is a loss not just for his family but for the world.”
The Bigger Picture: Reckless and Impaired Driving Epidemic
Ryan’s untimely death has reignited conversations about the dangers of reckless and impaired driving. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Local officials, including Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, have expressed their commitment to addressing this issue. “Ryan’s death is a stark reminder of the work we still need to do to make our streets safer,” Mayor Lyles said. “We owe it to his memory to redouble our efforts to prevent such tragedies.”
Authorities urge the community to remember these critical road safety tips:
- Never drive under the influence. Arrange for a sober driver or use a rideshare service if impaired.
- Adhere to speed limits. Excessive speed significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents.
- Be vigilant as a pedestrian. Use crosswalks and remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Seeking Justice: The Investigation Continues
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has assured the public that every effort will be made to ensure justice for Ryan and his family. They encourage anyone with additional information about the incident to contact Detective Mercedes at 704-432-2169, extension 5, or through Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the Crime Stoppers website.
A Lasting Legacy
Ryan Zadrozny’s life was one of promise, kindness, and achievement. While his journey was tragically cut short, his memory lives on through the countless lives he touched. His family plans to establish a scholarship in his name to support aspiring engineers—a fitting tribute to a young man who dreamed of changing the world.
Funeral services for Ryan will be held on Saturday, December 7, at St. Matthew’s Church in his hometown. His family has requested donations to local road safety initiatives in lieu of flowers.
As Charlotte mourns this devastating loss, the community stands united in seeking justice for Ryan and advocating for safer streets. His story is a solemn reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior and the enduring impact of a life well-lived.
