Charlotte, February 5, 2026
A tragic incident on North Tryon Street claimed the life of 65-year-old Bernard Johnson, who was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road outside a designated crosswalk. The driver, unharmed and not impaired, remained at the scene. This incident emphasizes ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in Charlotte and the need for increased measures to protect vulnerable road users, particularly as the city strives to meet its Vision Zero initiative goals.
Charlotte: Pedestrian Fatality Reported on North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC – A 65-year-old pedestrian, Bernard Johnson, was tragically killed in a vehicle collision on Monday, February 2, 2026, on the 7700 block of North Tryon Street, just north of University City Boulevard. The incident occurred at approximately 7:34 p.m.. Authorities from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded to the scene where Mr. Johnson was found unresponsive in the roadway. He was pronounced deceased at the location by Charlotte Fire and MEDIC personnel.
Investigation Details
Preliminary findings from the CMPD indicate that Mr. Johnson was attempting to cross North Tryon Street outside of a designated crosswalk when he was struck by a southbound grey Infiniti. The driver of the Infiniti remained at the scene and sustained minor injuries, for which they were treated and released. Law enforcement officers conducted a screening for impairment on the driver, who was determined not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As of now, investigators have not determined if speed was a contributing factor in the collision.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit, in conjunction with the DWI Task Force and Crime Scene Search (CSS), has launched an active and ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. The victim’s next of kin has been notified.
Broader Context: Pedestrian Safety in Charlotte and North Carolina
This recent fatality highlights ongoing concerns regarding pedestrian safety in Charlotte and across North Carolina. The city of Charlotte adopted its Vision Zero initiative in 2018, with the ambitious goal of eliminating all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries on its streets by 2030 or 2040.
Challenges to Vision Zero Goals
Despite the Vision Zero commitment, recent data indicates persistent challenges. The City of Charlotte’s FY2025 Vision Zero Annual Report revealed that while the total number of crashes across the city decreased, fatalities and serious injuries increased during that fiscal year. The report documented 81 traffic deaths and 111 serious injuries on Charlotte’s roads in FY2025.
Pedestrians and cyclists remain particularly vulnerable. While crashes involving people walking and biking account for only 1.5% of all total crashes, they represent a disproportionately high 29% of all serious injuries and fatal crashes. Specifically, 19% of all pedestrian crashes resulted in a serious or fatal injury. Key factors contributing to fatal and serious injury crashes in Charlotte include speeding and improper vehicle operation, which together account for over 60% of such incidents.
The report also identified a “High Injury Network,” comprising only 13% of Charlotte’s streets, yet accounting for 80% of all fatal and serious injury crashes. This data underscores the critical need for targeted safety improvements on specific roadways.
State-Level Trends
On a state level, North Carolina has also experienced a concerning rise in pedestrian fatalities. A preliminary report indicated that 279 pedestrians were killed in North Carolina in 2024, marking a 12% increase compared to 2023. Furthermore, overall traffic fatalities throughout North Carolina have increased by 29% over the past decade. This upward trend underscores a broader public safety challenge on the state’s roadways.
CMPD and city officials continue to work on various initiatives aimed at improving public safety, although many of these, such as “Operation Safe Season” and “Uptown Heartbeat,” primarily focus on reducing crime and increasing general police visibility in specific areas like Uptown, rather than directly addressing pedestrian-vehicle collisions. The ongoing investigation into the pedestrian crash on North Tryon Street will contribute to the understanding of local traffic safety dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did the fatal pedestrian crash involving Bernard Johnson occur?
The fatal pedestrian crash involving Bernard Johnson occurred on Monday, February 2, 2026, at approximately 7:34 p.m..
Where did the pedestrian crash take place in Charlotte?
The pedestrian crash took place on the 7700 block of North Tryon Street, just north of University City Boulevard, in Charlotte.
Who was the pedestrian killed in the crash?
The pedestrian killed in the crash was 65-year-old Bernard Johnson.
Was the driver of the vehicle impaired?
The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash was screened for impairment and determined not to be under the influence.
What are the preliminary findings regarding how the crash occurred?
Preliminary investigation indicates that Bernard Johnson was attempting to cross North Tryon Street outside of a designated crosswalk when he was struck by the vehicle.
What is Charlotte’s Vision Zero initiative?
Charlotte’s Vision Zero initiative, adopted in 2018, aims to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries on the city’s streets by 2030 or 2040.
Have traffic fatalities increased in Charlotte recently?
Yes, the City of Charlotte’s FY2025 Vision Zero Annual Report showed that while total crashes declined, fatalities and serious injuries increased, with 81 traffic deaths and 111 serious injuries reported in FY2025.
What percentage of crashes involve pedestrians and cyclists in Charlotte?
Crashes involving people walking and biking account for only 1.5% of all total crashes in Charlotte, but they represent 29% of all serious injuries and fatal crashes.
How many pedestrian deaths occurred in North Carolina in 2024?
In 2024, 279 pedestrians were killed in North Carolina, which was a 12% increase from 2023.
Key Features of Pedestrian Safety in Charlotte
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Bernard Johnson Crash Date | Monday, February 2, 2026, at approximately 7:34 p.m. | Charlotte-specific |
| Bernard Johnson Crash Location | 7700 block of North Tryon Street, just north of University City Boulevard | Charlotte-specific |
| Pedestrian’s Age | 65 years old | Charlotte-specific |
| Driver Impairment | Driver screened and found not to be impaired. | Charlotte-specific |
| Charlotte Vision Zero Initiative Goal | Eliminate all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2030 or 2040. | Charlotte-specific |
| FY2025 Traffic Fatalities in Charlotte | 81 deaths | Charlotte-specific |
| FY2025 Serious Injuries in Charlotte | 111 injuries | Charlotte-specific |
| Pedestrian/Cyclist Share of Serious/Fatal Crashes in Charlotte | 29% (from 1.5% of total crashes) | Charlotte-specific |
| 2024 Pedestrian Deaths in North Carolina | 279 deaths | State-level |
| Increase in NC Traffic Fatalities (Past Decade) | 29% increase | State-level |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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