21-Year-Old Woman Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run in Asheville

News Summary

Kerrigan Abrielle Hensley, a 21-year-old from Weaverville, has been charged following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Asheville that resulted in one pedestrian’s death. The incident, which occurred at night, has provoked discussions about pedestrian safety in the community. Hensley is currently held on a secured bond of $50,000 after surrendering to the police a month after the incident.

Asheville

A 21-year-old woman from Weaverville, Kerrigan Abrielle Hensley, has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that took place on April 8 in Asheville. The tragic event resulted in the death of one pedestrian and left another injured.

The collision occurred at approximately 11:36 p.m. at the intersection of Louisiana Avenue and Patton Avenue, when a vehicle traveling west on Patton Avenue reportedly swerved into the median, striking two pedestrians. One of the victims, identified as 37-year-old Tyler Michael White, died at the scene, while the second pedestrian sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mission Hospital for treatment.

Hensley turned herself in to the Asheville Police Department on May 8, exactly one month after the incident. Following an investigation carried out in consultation with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, she has been charged with death by vehicle and two counts of felony hit-and-run.

Currently, Hensley is being held at the Buncombe County Detention Center with a secured bond set at $50,000. The case has raised significant community awareness regarding pedestrian safety and the importance of accountability in vehicular incidents.

Details of the Incident

The fatal incident on April 8 unfolded late at night, a time when both visibility and traffic can be less predictable. At the intersection where the collision occurred, two pedestrians were walking when a vehicle veered off its course, hitting them before fleeing from the scene. Tragically, Tyler Michael White’s life was cut short that evening, amplifying the emotional toll on family and friends.

Legal Proceedings

Following Hensley’s surrender, authorities undertook a thorough investigation to piece together the events leading up to the collision. The charges filed against her reflect the seriousness of the incident and the legal implications of leaving the scene of an accident that results in fatalities. In North Carolina, individuals charged with death by vehicle can face a number of penalties, and felony hit-and-run carries its own set of severe consequences under state law.

Community Impact and Safety Concerns

The collision has sparked discussions within the Asheville community about pedestrian safety. Local advocacy groups are calling for heightened awareness regarding pedestrian rights and the responsibilities of drivers. The need for improved crosswalks, better lighting at intersections, and public education on pedestrian safety are among the suggestions being discussed in the aftermath of this tragic event.

The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that pedestrians can face even on familiar streets. As the legal process unfolds, many community members are left grappling with the loss of life and seeking ways to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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Additional Resources

• WYFF4 News
• WLOS News
• Fox Carolina News
• WSPA News
• Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety