Charlotte, NC (October 23, 2026) - Mariana Segoviano Espinoza, 6, died at a hospital Saturday, Oct. 24, after a vehicle struck her Friday afternoon at Barrington Drive and Lanecrest Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Officers responded around 3:21 p.m. Preliminary findings indicated that Mariana was walking across Barrington Drive when she was struck. CMPD said the driver fled north on Barrington Drive after the collision.

Neighbors approached to help, and emergency responders moved Mariana by stretcher into an ambulance. MEDIC transported her to a medical facility with life-threatening injuries. The intersection, near the Sharon Pines apartments, was closed for several hours.

Police sought a gray 2012–2015 Mercedes-Benz C250 with a sunroof and heavy front-grille damage. Investigators also described black rims, a matte black gas cap cover and a temporary license plate displayed at the time of the collision. Officers released a photograph of the suspected vehicle on October 26.

Security camera footage showed a gray Mercedes-Benz passing through the intersection shortly before the collision. Other footage captured people approaching the scene afterward.

Mariana was a first-grade student at Devonshire Elementary School. Her parents said she had just gotten off a bus before the collision. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said initial information from traffic investigators placed the crash off campus. The district also reported an internal investigation and efforts to provide support to students, families and staff.

Her parents remembered Mariana’s enjoyment of dancing and making music videos. Flowers and stuffed animals were placed at a memorial at the intersection, and a fundraiser was created to help with funeral expenses.

As of October 26, CMPD was investigating the collision, and no arrests had been announced. Police had not publicly identified a suspect and requested information about the vehicle or crash.

Seeking Answers After a Child’s Fatal Hit and Run

When police are still searching for a driver, a grieving family may not know which legal questions can be addressed immediately and which depend on the investigation. The search for the Mercedes-Benz in this case is an important part of establishing who was involved. Families can also ask about preserving available evidence and the role of the person authorized to act for the child’s estate.

In North Carolina, a qualifying wrongful-death action is brought by the deceased person’s personal representative or collector. Pedestrian accident lawyers can explain that role and assess the evidence needed for a possible claim. A family does not need to understand the estate process before asking for that explanation.

Support While the Investigation Continues

After a child’s death, keeping track of police updates, insurance letters and requests for records can add to an already painful time. A legal conversation can help clarify which steps are relevant to a possible claim and which questions remain for investigators, without expecting the family to carry out its own investigation.