A pedestrian struck by a vehicle on West Flamingo Road late last month has died from injuries suffered in the crash, nearly four weeks after being rushed to a Las Vegas trauma center.
Metro police said the victim died on Monday, July 20, following the June 26 collision. The department’s announcement, dated July 20, was reported by the Las Vegas Sun. The pedestrian had been taken to University Medical Center’s trauma unit immediately after the crash and was initially described as being in life-threatening condition.
According to a press release from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the collision happened around 9:08 p.m. on June 26 on West Flamingo Road, just east of South New Forrest Drive. Investigators say the pedestrian was crossing outside a marked crosswalk and stepped into the path of a westbound 2013 Toyota Highlander.
The front of the SUV struck the pedestrian, throwing the person onto the roadway. Emergency crews responded and took the victim to UMC Trauma, where doctors treated injuries that were immediately labeled life-threatening.
Metro’s initial release identified the driver as 55-year-old Ashenafi Gebremichael. Police said he stayed at the scene and showed no signs of impairment. The department’s Collision Investigation Section continues to work the case.
Investigators seek witnesses
Detectives are asking anyone who saw the June 26 crash or has video of the incident to contact Metro’s Collision Investigation Section or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.
Early coverage of the collision noted that first responders rushed the pedestrian to UMC Trauma and that the driver remained at the scene, as reported by KLAS / 8 News Now. The update that the victim has now died turns what began as a late-night emergency call into a fatal case for crash investigators.
Flamingo corridor safety
Flamingo Road has been the site of several serious pedestrian crashes in recent years, and local leaders have already flagged it as a problem corridor. In its City of Las Vegas Vision Zero Action Plan update, the city lists Flamingo among its high-injury corridors and prioritizes upgrades such as improved crosswalks and better lighting in an effort to cut down on serious crashes and roadway deaths.
