23-Year-Old Magazine Editor Killed in Alleged Hit-and-Run Crash

Hope Cartwright was remembered as an "exceptional" and "charming" young journalist by her colleagues.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Hope Cartwright, a 23-year-old magazine editor in Richmond, Virginia, was killed in an alleged hit-and-run crash on Monday evening while walking home from work. A 41-year-old woman, Latesha Coleman, has been arrested and charged with a felony hit-and-run in connection with Cartwright's death. Cartwright's colleagues at Virginia Living magazine described her as an "exceptional" and "charming" young journalist who had blossomed into a "real leader" and "visionary storyteller" in her nearly two years at the publication.

Why it matters

The tragic death of the promising young editor has left her colleagues and the local community in "shock and disbelief." The case highlights the dangers that pedestrians can face on city streets, as well as the impact that hit-and-run crashes can have on victims and their loved ones.

The details

According to reports, Cartwright was crossing the street near her magazine's office around 5:30 pm on Monday when she was struck by a vehicle that later drove away. She was taken to a local hospital but later died from her injuries. Investigators were able to track down the driver, Latesha Coleman, 41, at her home using security footage that captured the crash. Coleman has been arrested and charged with a felony hit-and-run.

  • On Monday, February 19, 2026, around 5:30 pm, Cartwright was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street near her office.
  • Cartwright later died from her injuries at a local hospital.

The players

Hope Cartwright

A 23-year-old magazine editor at Virginia Living magazine who was killed in the alleged hit-and-run crash.

Latesha Coleman

A 41-year-old woman who has been arrested and charged with a felony hit-and-run in connection with Cartwright's death.

Madeline Mayhood

The editor-in-chief of Virginia Living magazine, who hired Cartwright and described her as an "exceptional" and "charming" member of the team.

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What they’re saying

“She was an exceptional member of our team, despite her young age. She came to us as a quiet and shy 21-year-old, fresh out of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern. Fortunately for me, she blossomed into a real leader, ace project manager, visionary storyteller and ace editor — a real rockstar. Her death, at 23, is unfathomable. We're all still in disbelief and shock.”

— Madeline Mayhood, Editor-in-Chief, Virginia Living magazine (WRIC)

“She was just so charming and lovely, and she just engaged in every single assignment. She just got it.”

— Madeline Mayhood, Editor-in-Chief, Virginia Living magazine (WWBT)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 10 whether to grant bail for Latesha Coleman, the alleged hit-and-run driver.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the dangers that pedestrians face on city streets and the devastating impact that hit-and-run crashes can have on victims and their loved ones. It also underscores the importance of driver accountability and the need for continued efforts to improve road safety and protect vulnerable road users.