Former Queens University Athlete Killed in Charlotte Hit-and-Run, Police Say

Charlotte, North Carolina — January 16, 2026 — According to the Charlotte Observer and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), a former Queens University of Charlotte student-athlete was killed after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

Police identified the victim as 25-year-old Lance Andreas Jesus Sotelo, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say the collision occurred around the 3300 block of The Plaza, a commercial corridor in east Charlotte.

According to CMPD, officers responding to the area found a pedestrian with severe injuries in the roadway. A preliminary investigation determined that Sotelo was struck by a white Chevrolet Impala that was traveling southwest on The Plaza near East 36th Street. Police say the driver ran a red light at the intersection before hitting Sotelo and leaving the scene.

Police identified 28-year-old Q’Laundra Kadri Hood as the driver. CMPD reports that Hood later turned herself in at the Hickory Grove Division office. She has been charged with felony hit-and-run, involuntary manslaughter, driving without a valid license, and failing to stop at a red light.

Sotelo had deep ties to Queens University of Charlotte, where the school says he competed on the Men’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams as recently as 2025. University records show Sotelo graduated in 2023 and was pursuing an MBA through the McColl School of Business at the time of his death.

A 2023 university post highlighted Sotelo’s involvement on campus, noting that he served as a resident assistant and student body president during his undergraduate years. Originally from Dalton, Georgia, Sotelo was named a high school cross-country MVP.

In a 2023 university profile, Sotelo spoke about the importance of belonging and leadership, saying he valued being part of a campus where individuals are known and can make a meaningful impact.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses. According to the fundraiser, Sotelo did not have life insurance and had just secured new employment on the day of the crash.

Tributes have poured in from across the running community. The Dalton High School Catamount Cross Country team shared memories of Sotelo’s dedication, describing a runner who approached every practice and race with determination, humility, and care for others.

Sotelo was also a familiar presence in Charlotte’s local racing scene. Organizers with Around the Crown 10K noted Sotelo’s participation in their first official non-binary race category, where Sotelo placed first. The organization also shared that Sotelo recently finished fifth overall in the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon.

Charlotte City Council member Juan Diego “JD” Mazuera Arias also commented on Sotelo’s death, noting that the crash occurred along a roadway already identified as dangerous for pedestrians. In a social media post, Arias said the location is part of Charlotte’s High Injury Network and described the tragedy as preventable, pointing to longstanding concerns about roadway design and pedestrian safety.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run.

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our experienced Charlotte personal injury attorneys are committed to helping crash victims and their families navigate the legal process.

Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand? Call 704-377-3737 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.