RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Days after the death of Virginia Living editor Hope Cartwright following a hit-and-run in Richmond, her family is speaking publicly for the first time. On Monday, Feb. 16, 23-year-old Hope Cartwright was hit by a driver at the intersection of South 2nd and East Cary street s. The scene of the crash was near Virginia Living, the Richmond-based magazine, where she worked as an associate editor. She was reportedly a Michigan native hired by the magazine after graduating from college and moved to Richmond in 2024. In the aftermath, Cartwright's family released a statement through Virginia Living, expressing appreciation of condolences, as well as immense grief. The following is their full statement: The family of Hope Cartwright would like to express sincere appreciation for the outpouring of condolences, concern, and prayers from those known to us and beyond in the aftermath of her tragic and untimely death on Feb. 16. We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, talented, smart and funny Hope and her promise for the future but comforted by the knowledge that she rests in peace with our savior Jesus Christ. Her brilliant writing touched the lives of many, and we are so proud of her. We are grateful for the efforts of Hope’s colleagues at Virginia Living, the Richmond communitymembers and those beyond, as well as first responders, medical staff, and law enforcement whocompassionately aided her in her time of need. As we cope with this sudden shock and great loss, we ask for respect and privacy to grieve as a family. Cartwright family 8News spoke with Virginia Living staff on Feb. 19, regarding the incident. “We just can’t process it,” said Madeline Mayhood, editor in chief of Virginia Living. “I saw her at 5:30… [I said,] ‘See you tomorrow,’ and within three minutes, she was gone.” Forty-one-year-old Latesha Coleman is charged with felony hit-and-run in the crash. ...read more read less