Charlotte, NC (October 18, 2026) - My’Angel Vonshay Robinson and Audrey Diamond Dawson died after a three-vehicle collision on I-277 in Charlotte, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. Robinson, the Hyundai Venue’s left-rear passenger, died at the scene. Dawson, its front passenger, died at the hospital. Multiple other people were injured.

The collision occurred around midnight Sunday in the 800 block of Brookshire Boulevard, also identified as I-277, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. CMPD officers, Charlotte Fire and MEDIC responded. Police reported heavy front-end damage to a Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Venue and Chevrolet Equinox. The Toyota’s rear end was resting on the bridge railing.

CMPD identified the Toyota driver as Kati Covarrubias Barron. She and a female front passenger were conscious when responders arrived. The Hyundai driver was awake and alert, while Dawson and Robinson were unconscious. Another rear occupant in the Hyundai was conscious. Police also described three Chevrolet passengers as conscious.

Everyone involved except Robinson was transported to the hospital, according to CMPD. Initial accounts described serious injuries to the Hyundai driver and another passenger. Police said the next of kin for Robinson and Dawson had been notified.

Investigators said Covarrubias Barron drove the Toyota the wrong way on I-277 without headlights while impaired and without a valid license. Court records identified her as 19 and described surveillance footage showing a U-turn onto the interstate. According to those records, the Toyota traveled about a mile in the wrong direction at approximately 58 mph before colliding with the Hyundai, which was traveling in the correct direction.

A CMPD DWI Task Force officer screened Covarrubias Barron at the hospital and reported finding impairment. Court records described an alleged admission to consuming about five alcoholic or mixed drinks within two hours and stated that she had never held a driver’s license.

CMPD reported charges of driving while impaired, driving after consuming alcohol while younger than 21, no operator’s license and reckless driving, along with two counts each of second-degree murder and felony serious injury by vehicle. Initial court information listed Covarrubias Barron as held without bond, with an initial appearance scheduled for October 19.

In its October 19 release, CMPD said its Major Crash Investigation Unit was investigating the collision. The department asked witnesses or anyone with information to contact Detective D. Leung and identified the case as report 20261018-0018-02.

Responsibility After a Fatal Wrong-Way Collision

A fatal wrong-way collision can leave a family seeking answers about how the crash happened and what legal options remain. CMPD reported that the Toyota traveled against traffic without headlights and that its driver was impaired and unlicensed. Those allegations describe several issues for investigators to examine.

A wrongful-death claim focuses on the conduct that caused the death. An auto accident lawyer can review the collision evidence and explain the legal significance of the reported conduct. Criminal charges are allegations, and the civil assessment depends on the circumstances and evidence.

Support for Families After a Passenger’s Death

Families grieving a passenger's death may face funeral expenses, the loss of support and difficult decisions about what comes next. An attorney can explain whether a wrongful-death claim may be available and who has authority to bring it. That guidance can help a family understand its options while the investigation proceeds.