A sense of excitement and transition filled the air for the Wallin family on August 4, 2022, as they were in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for the University of Alabama's freshman move-in. Charlotte Leigh Wallin, a 45-year-old White woman from Imperial, Nebraska, was walking with her family on a sidewalk along Jack Warner Parkway. What should have been a joyous occasion turned into a tragedy when a vehicle veered off the road and struck her.
The driver of the 1999 Buick Century, 31-year-old
DaQuisha Meshunda Frank, reportedly lost control of her vehicle while traveling eastbound. She was allegedly driving at approximately 60 miles per hour in a 50 mph zone. The car jumped the curb, hitting Wallin on the sidewalk before crossing a median and coming to a stop in the westbound lanes. Wallin was immediately transported to DCH Regional Medical Center and later airlifted to UAB Hospital. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries and was taken off life support the following day, August 5, 2022.
An investigation into the crash revealed several contributing factors. Authorities determined that Frank was operating the vehicle under the influence of marijuana at the time of the incident. Furthermore, investigators discovered that Frank was aware of a significant mechanical issue with her car; a set of uninstalled replacement brakes was found in the back seat, indicating knowledge of the faulty rear brakes.
A year after the fatal incident, on August 23, 2023, DaQuisha Meshunda Frank was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Charlotte Wallin's death. She was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail and was later released after posting a $30,000 bond.
