23-Year-Old Virginia Living Editor Killed in Richmond Hit-and-Run

Family expresses devastation over the loss of their 'brilliant' and 'talented' daughter

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Hope Cartwright, a 23-year-old associate editor at Virginia Living magazine, was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Richmond, Virginia on February 16, 2026. Cartwright, a Michigan native who had recently moved to Richmond, was struck by a driver near the magazine's offices. The driver, 41-year-old Latesha Coleman, has been charged with felony hit-and-run.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers that pedestrians face on city streets, especially in areas with high foot traffic. It also raises questions about road safety and accountability for drivers who flee the scene of a crash. The loss of a young, promising journalist has deeply impacted the Richmond community and the staff at Virginia Living.

The details

According to reports, Cartwright was crossing the intersection of South 2nd and East Cary Streets, near the Virginia Living offices, when she was struck by a vehicle. She was reportedly a recent college graduate who had moved to Richmond in 2024 to work at the magazine. The driver, Latesha Coleman, fled the scene but was later apprehended and charged with felony hit-and-run.

  • On Monday, February 16, 2026, Hope Cartwright was struck by a vehicle and killed in a hit-and-run incident in Richmond, Virginia.
  • Cartwright was reportedly leaving work at around 5:30 pm when the incident occurred.

The players

Hope Cartwright

A 23-year-old associate editor at Virginia Living magazine who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Richmond, Virginia.

Latesha Coleman

A 41-year-old woman who has been charged with felony hit-and-run in connection with the incident that killed Hope Cartwright.

Madeline Mayhood

The editor-in-chief of Virginia Living magazine, who expressed shock and grief over the loss of her colleague Hope Cartwright.

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What they’re saying

“We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, talented, smart and funny Hope and her promise for the future but comforted by the knowledge that she rests in peace with our savior Jesus Christ. Her brilliant writing touched the lives of many, and we are so proud of her.”

— Cartwright Family (wric.com)

“We just can't process it. I saw her at 5:30... [I said,] 'See you tomorrow,' and within three minutes, she was gone.”

— Madeline Mayhood, Editor-in-Chief, Virginia Living (wric.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Latesha Coleman's bail status at a hearing on February 24, 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved road safety measures and accountability for drivers who flee the scene of a crash. The loss of a young, promising journalist has deeply impacted the Richmond community, highlighting the human cost of such senseless acts of violence on city streets.