Driver charged in death of woman struck, killed on Tuscaloosa sidewalk at 2022 UA freshman move

Charlotte "Char" Wallin (Contributed)

A suspect has been charged in last year’s death of a Nebraska woman who was struck by a vehicle in Tuscaloosa while moving her child into the University of Alabama.

DaQuisha Meshunda Frank, 31, is charged with manslaughter in death of 45-year-old Charlotte Leigh “Char” Wallin. The arrest culminates an investigation by the Tuscaloosa Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit.

The Wallin family, from Imperial, Nebraska, was in Tuscaloosa for University of Alabama freshman move-in.

Four of the family members were walking along the sidewalk on the south side of Jack Warner Parkway between Hackberry Lane and Marrs Spring Road about 7 p.m. on Aug. 4, 2022, when Charlotte Wallin, a mother of three, was struck by the motorist, said police spokeswoman Stephanie Taylor.

She was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center, then airlifted to UAB Hospital where she died from her injuries the following day.

Frank told officers she was eastbound and driving 60 miles per hour in the 50-miles-per-hours zone when she lost control of her 1999 Buick Century and drove onto the sidewalk. She then steered the car toward the median and came to a stop in the westbound lanes.

Investigators learned Frank was aware that her rear brakes were faulty, and recovered a set of replacement brakes that were in the back seat but had not been installed, Taylor said.

The investigation further revealed Frank was driving under the influence of marijuana and was speeding at the time.

Frank was served with the warrant charging her with manslaughter Wednesday night. She was released from the Tuscaloosa County Jail after posting $30,000 bond.

According to Wallin’s obituary, she loved children and always had wanted to be a mother.

“Her husband and children were her life, and she put them before herself. Char was an amazing mother and wife who worked meticulously to organize their family home. Char rarely sat down because she was always doing something for her family and others. She loved being an aunt and attending events for her extended family,’’ her obituary read.

“Char enjoyed exercising, taking care of her flowers, reading, decorating for holidays, and attending her children’s many events. She especially loved spending time with her family. Char had a talent and an eye for fashion and flipping houses,’’ according to the obituary. “Her generous spirit for her family and community brought beauty to everyone and everything she touched. Char loved to entertain, and her parties were always full of good food, laughter, and fun. Char loved Jesus and was unafraid to talk about her faith, because she was secure in who she was in Christ. She was beautiful outwardly and inwardly.

“Char always had the sense of the right thing to do in situations and would forge ahead with strength and courage. Even through difficult times, she remained positive and full of hope, and inspired her family and others to do the same,’’ the obituary read. “Char inspired all she met and was close to, to walk with compassion towards others, love unconditionally, and live life full of joy. Char instilled these qualities into her three children who will continue her legacy.”

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