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Man charged with DWI after woman hit, killed in South End

By Ken Lemon, wsoctv.com
By Ken Lemon, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Officers responded to a fatal crash off South Boulevard involving a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle Sunday.

Detectives also responded to the scene to conduct an investigation.

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Information gathered on the scene by investigators revealed the driver, Gregory Alan Wheeling, was in a 2014 Audi S4 in the right lane heading southbound towards Remount Road. Four other passengers were also in the car at the time of the accident.

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Witnesses at the scene told Channel 9 a female was crossing the street when she was struck by the car.

Officers said the pedestrian, Kelli Sue Putnam,28, was walking along the sidewalk on the southbound sidewalk of South Boulevard. The pedestrian stepped out in front of the AUDI and was struck, according to officials.

After impact, Putnam was thrown up onto the vehicle and came to rest in the northbound lanes of South Boulevard.  The Audi then went off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole.

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Mecklenburg EMS pronounced Putnam dead at 5:13 p.m. as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

On Monday, coworkers of Putnam who worked at Mac's Speed Shop, walked from the restaurant to the crash site to pay their respects.

One of the managers at the restaurant that it was a difficult day at work as their hearts are heavy over the loss of Putnam.

Statement on behalf of Mac's Speed Shop:

The entire Mac's Speed Shop family is devastated by the loss of Kelli Putnam, who made a tremendous impact on us all. We feel fortunate to have had an opportunity to know her as a friend and valuable member of our team. Kelli will be greatly missed by all of us.

Speed and alcohol are contributing factors in the crash.

Wheeling was arrested and charged with driving while impaired and aggravated felony death by vehicle.

Wheeling appeared in court the following Tuesday and the judge set a $100,000 bond. Wheeling also hired his own attorney.

Any witnesses are being asked to call Detective Reibold or Detective Gormican at (704) 336-3229.

Be sure to download the WSOC-TV Wake Up app to get the latest breaking news, weather and traffic on your phone first thing in the mornings. 

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