It is with profound grief and sorrow that the family of Hope Cartwright announce her sudden and unexpected death at the age of 23. Hope was born on May 6, 2002 and died by a hit-and-run in Richmond, Virginia while walking a crosswalk on her way from her office in the late afternoon of February 16, 2026.

Preceding her in death is her grandfather, John Cartwright. She is lovingly remembered by her mother, Heidi Cartwright; sisters, Holly Thompson and Abby LaPrairie (Mark); grandmother, C.J. Cartwright, and her countless other loved ones, close friends, extended family, and coworkers who adored her.

Hope spent her childhood in Traverse City, Michigan, where she first developed her love for writing and, as a glimpse of her future passion for journalism, created her first "newspapers" for her grandfather. She was a member of Northwestern Michigan Children's Choir and sang with them at Carnegie Hall. She then later attended Traverse City West Senior High, where she was editor of her high school newspaper and a National Merit Scholar. She received further awards and scholarships after her high school graduation in 2020. The youngest of three, she grew from a quiet little observer into a curious, independent, thoughtful, and incisive adventurer who traveled to Mexico, Denmark (study abroad), various European countries, and many locations throughout the U.S. We remember her love for the color pink, for poetry, for laughing playfully at her older sisters, and for learning new things.

Her exuberance and intelligence brought her to Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where she wrote for various publications and landed an editorial fellowship with the Washingtonian. Before even crossing the graduation stage, she began writing for Virginia Living Magazine, where she worked as an assistant editor, beloved and admired by her colleagues. She had a knack for finding picturesque locations and interesting people, relaying their stories with warmth and vibrance.

Her photography and written stories remind us of her boldness in taking on new experiences and challenges, and the unique notes and gifts she left her friends and family demonstrate her thoughtfulness and love. Curiosity, compassion, and love defined Hope's life —we hope to honor her by our lives carrying those same values. Her favorite passage was 1 John 4: 7-21, especially 1 John 4:7, " Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become a child of God and knows God."

Hope's favorite poet was Mary Oliver. The famous final line from "Summer Days" motivated Hope throughout her life, and, like it, Hope's life now continues to ask us all,

"Tell me, what is your plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

May we one day be able to answer and tell her when we see her again in the Land of the Living.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Mission Hill Church in Traverse City, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Hope's name to one of the following: Project Hope at Mission Hill Church (Traverse City), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (Richmond, VA), or the Hope Cartwright Scholarship Award (through the National Writers Series), Hope Cartwright Scholarship Award.

To enjoy Hope's remarkable work, please visit North by Northwestern, Trill Magazine, the Washingtonian, Virginia Living, and other publications.