Uber driver who died fought with passenger over money, brother says

Thomas Novelly | Courier Journal

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Correction: This article misspelled the name of the driver’s brother, Mark Koenig. And a family member provided the wrong day of death.The article has been updated to reflect the corrections.

Michael Wallace was a full-time Uber driver who enjoyed the flexible schedule the job allowed so he could spend more time with his family.

But on Saturday night, Wallace got into a fight with passengers outside an east Louisville hotel. Three days later, he died.

The fight was over "something money related," Wallace's brother, Mark Koenig, told the Courier Journal.

The incident happened around 6 p.m. Saturday outside the Courtyard by Marriott off Hurstbourne Parkway, police said.

The shouting match turned physical, and after a few minutes, Wallace went limp.

"I had just spoken to him a couple days ago," Koenig told the Courier Journal. "But after the incident, he never regained consciousness."

Wallace was taken to Baptist East Hospital that night. On Tuesday morning, surrounded by family and friends, Wallace died, Koenig said.

No charges have been filed against the passengers. Louisville Metro Police is looking into the incident as a death investigation and an autopsy is pending. A hotel employee said the hotel does not have surveillance video.

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LMPD spokesman Dwight Mitchell would not discuss details of the incident but said the driver had a "history of medical problems." He added that once the autopsy comes back, police will decide whether to file charges with the Commonwealth Attorney's office.

A GoFundMe account for Wallace was set up Wednesday to raise $10,000 to pay for Wallace's funeral. As of Thursday afternoon, almost $700 had been donated.

Randi Vibbert, who set up the fundraiser, said she and Wallace were childhood friends and they both went to North Bullitt High School.

"He didn't have life insurance because he drove for Uber," Vibbert said. "He had been driving for them for quite some time and he enjoyed it a lot. When I heard about his passing, I knew I had to help out."

Vibbert said Wallace has three children under 10 years old with his fiancee, Amber Combs. Koenig said he also has a 19-year-old son.

"He was working that night to support his family," Koenig said. "He was a good father and a really funny guy. He cared for his kids so much."

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In a statement Thursday, Uber spokeswoman Kayla Whaling said the company is willing to assist police with the investigation.

"Our deepest thoughts are with all those grieving for the loss of their loved one. We will support the Louisville Metro Police Department's active investigation in every way possible," she said.

She did not respond to questions about how long Wallace worked for Uber.

Koenig said police haven't given him specific details about the ongoing investigation. He said police told him the only witnesses so far were the passengers in the Uber.

"If anyone was a witness that night, please talk to LMPD," Koenig said. "Help us get closer to the truth."

Anyone with information is advised to call 502-574-LMPD.

Darcy Costello contributed reporting. Thomas Novelly: tnovelly@courierjournal.com, 502-582-4465. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/tomn.

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Mark Koenig.