A tragic episode unfolded in Scottsdale over the weekend when a street race ended fatally. A collision at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort has claimed the life of a 21-year-old man and led to the arrest of another driver on manslaughter and multiple endangerment charges, FOX 10 Phoenix reported.
According to Scottsdale Police, 21-year-old Nicholas Meath died after his car hit a pillar at high speed during an illicit race. Meath was reportedly competing against 27-year-old Cameron Groom, when he lost control of his vehicle. The two were allegedly traveling at speeds upward of 120 mph in a zone designated for 45 mph, detailed in court documents obtained by ABC 15.
Groom now faces serious legal repercussions for his alleged role in the deadly incident. Witnesses told authorities that the duo initiated their race from a stoplight at Cheney Drive, speeding off as the light turned green. The subsequent crash occurred when, according to detectives, an unknown van made a left turn onto Scottsdale Road, a pivotal moment reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, which saw Meath's car veering out of control and striking the concrete pillar with such force that it broke into multiple pieces.
As the debris flew, nearby witnesses at the resort entrance narrowly evaded injury, with at least three people being struck by flying glass while trying to escape harm's way. The aftermath was fatal for Meath, who died on the scene, and emotionally scarring for a father and his two children, who managed to move their SUV seconds before the crash as they heard the screeching tires, recounted in interviews with FOX 10 Phoenix. Online court records revealed that Groom, before the incident, had been cited for multiple traffic violations, such as speeding and unsafe lane changes.
The Scottsdale Police have confirmed that the investigation is still active, as reported by ABC 15. Meanwhile, Groom, who had remained at the scene following the crash, was booked into custody. With the law gradually stitching the narrative of that fateful night together, one family grieves a life snatched too hurriedly, and another man faces the weight of his actions behind bars.
