Charlotte, February 19, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball was involved in a two-car accident in downtown Charlotte after attempting to turn at a busy intersection. Despite the significant damage to both vehicles, Ball did not suffer any injuries. However, one person from the other vehicle was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The collision drew public attention, with videos circulating online showing the aftermath.
Charlotte
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball was involved in a two-car accident in downtown Charlotte on Wednesday afternoon, February 18, 2026, shortly before 5 p.m.. Despite the significant impact that damaged both vehicles, Ball reportedly did not sustain any injuries. However, one individual from the other vehicle involved in the collision was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident quickly garnered public attention as videos of the crash and its immediate aftermath began to circulate widely.
Incident Details
The collision occurred at the busy intersection of Trade and Tryon streets in uptown Charlotte. LaMelo Ball was reportedly driving his custom-made, camouflage-colored 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1. According to reports, Ball was traveling west on Trade Street and attempted to make a left turn onto the one-way Tryon Street when his Hummer collided with a gray Kia sedan that was traveling east on Trade Street. The impact of the crash was substantial, resulting in the Hummer losing its driver’s front side wheel, rendering the vehicle disabled. The gray Kia sedan also sustained considerable front-end damage. Following the accident, Ball’s Hummer came to a rest blocking the city’s Gold Line streetcar tracks. Both vehicles involved in the incident were subsequently towed from the scene.
Immediate Aftermath and Public Response
In the moments immediately following the crash, footage obtained by local news outlets and shared on social media showed LaMelo Ball exiting his damaged Hummer. He was then seen getting into another vehicle, a Lamborghini, and was driven away from the scene, reportedly without waiting for a tow truck. Police responded to the site of the collision; however, a formal police report detailing the specifics of the accident was not immediately made available. The driver of the sedan also exited their vehicle, as shown in video footage, and walked towards Ball’s truck. The individual from the sedan was later transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
LaMelo Ball’s Current Status and Context
The incident occurred during the NBA All-Star break, a period when teams typically rest and prepare for the latter part of the season. The Charlotte Hornets had conducted practice earlier on Wednesday. The team is scheduled to return to play on Thursday night, hosting the Houston Rockets. Ball himself is currently sidelined from basketball action due to a calf injury, having last played on February 11. His involvement in the car crash adds to a history of professional athletes in Charlotte being involved in road incidents. Notable past examples include former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton’s crash in 2014 and Panthers backup quarterback Andy Dalton’s accident in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to LaMelo Ball?
- LaMelo Ball was involved in a two-car accident in downtown Charlotte on Wednesday afternoon, February 18, 2026, shortly before 5 p.m..
- Was LaMelo Ball injured in the crash?
- No, LaMelo Ball reportedly did not sustain any injuries in the collision.
- What kind of vehicle was LaMelo Ball driving?
- LaMelo Ball was driving his custom-made, camouflage-colored 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1.
- Where did the accident take place?
- The accident took place at the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets in uptown Charlotte.
- Were there other injuries reported?
- Yes, one individual from the other vehicle involved in the collision was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
- What happened to LaMelo Ball’s vehicle?
- LaMelo Ball’s Hummer lost its driver’s front side wheel, and the vehicle was rendered disabled and later towed.
- Has a police report been released?
- A police report detailing the specifics of the accident was not immediately made available.
Key Details of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Involved Individual | LaMelo Ball |
| Event Type | Two-car accident |
| Date | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| Time | Shortly before 5 p.m. |
| Location | Intersection of Trade and Tryon streets, downtown Charlotte |
| LaMelo Ball’s Vehicle | Custom-made, camouflage-colored 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 |
| Other Vehicle | Gray Kia sedan |
| LaMelo Ball’s Injury Status | Not injured |
| Other Driver’s Injury Status | Minor, non-life-threatening injuries (transported to hospital) |
| Vehicle Damage | Hummer lost front wheel; sedan had considerable front-end damage |
| Current Police Report Status | Not immediately available |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
