Community saddened after inspiring pediatrician dies in crash

CHARLOTTE — A community is mourning after a beloved Charlotte pediatrician died in a crash in Cabarrus County.

A friend told Channel 9 that Dr. Steven Sewanyana left work Friday, and Cabarrus County deputies said around 9:30 p.m., he crashed his car on Roberta Road and died instantly.

Officials said the doctor was speeding and not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.

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Patients and community members brought flowers, cards and candles to North Charlotte Pediatrics on McCollough Drive Tuesday in his honor.

Sewanyana, who was originally from Uganda, founded the practice in 2006, and over the years, he developed a reputation as a compassionate and dedicated doctor.

"My kids, even if they were sick, anything that happened, he would always put a smile on them,” said Anna Garcia, whose children were his patients for years.

She said he would often encourage them to excel in school and respect their elders.

"To have something like this happen, it hurts my heart. I’m very troubled by it. I pray for his family. I really do,” said neighbor Joseph Butler.