Curtis Lee McCollum, a 48-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on May 28, 2018, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Curtis was born on September 2, 1969, in Winston-Salem, and he had a deep connection to his hometown. He graduated from East Forsyth High School in 1988 and later enlisted in the US Marine Corps. After serving in the military, Curtis pursued further education at Winston-Salem State University and Forsyth Tech.
He was a dedicated employee of Classic Cab Company for 15 years and was well-loved by his family and friends.
On the night of May 28, 2018, Curtis was found unresponsive in the roadway near his cab on Barbara Jane Avenue. He had been shot multiple times, and despite the efforts of patrol officers, he was pronounced dead at the scene. This incident marked the second murder of a cab driver in Winston-Salem within a span of three months. Earlier, on March 8, 2018, another Classic Cab driver, Richard Dorman Webb, was found dead inside his cab. Authorities arrested 25-year-old Calvin Lee Moore Jr. for Webb's murder, but they did not believe the two cases were connected.
Curtis's death left a profound impact on his colleagues and the community. Barry Abdul, the owner of Classic Cab Company, expressed his shock and sorrow over the loss of Curtis, whom he had known for nearly 20 years. Curtis was described as a great guy who minded his business, did his work diligently, and was always dependable. The tragic incident highlighted the dangers faced by cab drivers and the need for increased safety measures.
The Winston-Salem Police Department launched an investigation into Curtis's murder, canvassing the area of Barbara Jane Avenue for any leads. The community was urged to come forward with any information that could help solve the case. Curtis's death was the 11th homicide in Winston-Salem in 2018, compared to eight homicides during the same period in 2017. The police department emphasized the importance of getting the perpetrators off the streets to prevent further violence.
Curtis Lee McCollum's untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by individuals in certain professions and the need for continued efforts to ensure their safety. His memory lives on through his family, friends, and colleagues who cherished him dearly.
