News Summary
Kerrigan Abrielle Hensley, a 21-year-old woman, has been arrested and charged in a fatal hit-and-run incident in Asheville. The tragic event, which occurred recently, took the life of pedestrian Tyler Michael White, with another victim suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities are investigating the case and urge witnesses to come forward, emphasizing the seriousness of hit-and-run offenses and their implications on community safety.
Asheville – A 21-year-old woman, Kerrigan Abrielle Hensley, has been arrested and charged in connection to a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on April 8. Hensley faces serious charges including death by vehicle and two counts of felony hit-and-run following the death of a pedestrian in the Asheville area.
The incident unfolded at approximately 11:36 p.m. at the intersection of Patton Avenue and Louisiana Avenue, where officers discovered 37-year-old Tyler Michael White near the center median. Despite immediate medical attention, White was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a tragic outcome in this case. Additionally, another pedestrian was located in a nearby parking lot and was transported to Mission Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to preliminary investigations, a vehicle traveling west on Patton Avenue swerved into the median, striking both pedestrians before fleeing the scene. Authorities believe that a silver Mazda SUV is the vehicle involved in the incident and may have sustained front-end damage along with a possibly cracked windshield.
Hensley turned herself in to the Buncombe County Detention Facility on May 8, and she is currently being held under a $50,000 secured bond. The police investigation into the incident included consultation with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office before determining the charges against her.
The Asheville Police have stated that they are continuing to investigate the hit-and-run and are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. The hit-and-run has raised community concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly in areas with heavy traffic.
In North Carolina, hit-and-run cases are taken very seriously, especially when they result in injury or death. The penalties for such offenses can be severe, including extensive prison time and significant fines, underscoring the legal obligations of motorists to stop and render aid in the event of an accident.
Statistics indicate that pedestrian fatalities are a growing concern in many urban areas, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noting an increase in such incidents over the past few years. This tragedy in Asheville highlights the vital importance of driver awareness and attentiveness, especially in busy intersections and pedestrian-heavy areas.
As this case develops, it continues to serve as a somber reminder to all drivers about the necessity for responsible driving practices and the obligations one has when involved in an accident.
The community awaits further updates from authorities as the investigation progresses and as legal proceedings develop against Hensley.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Asheville Deadly Hit-and-Run Woman Arrested
- WLOS: Weaverville Woman Turns Self In After Fatal Hit-and-Run
- Fox Carolina: Woman Turns Self In Weeks After Deadly Hit-and-Run
- Google Search: Pedestrian Safety
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-Run
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
