Flagstaff, AZ – Nelvin Thompson Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash at Greenlaw Ln

Flagstaff, AZ (August 4, 2020) – A man suspected of a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred last week in Flagstaff was arrested on Monday.

Officers with the Flagstaff Police Department responded to a call about a man lying on the road at North Fourth Street, near East Greenlaw Lane, around 8:30 a.m. last Friday morning. The man had sustained severe injuries and police administered emergency first-aid until first responders arrived, per reports from the Flagstaff Police Department. A spokesperson with Flagstaff police, Sgt. Charles Hernandez, II said that the deceased man was later identified as 55-year-old Nelvin Thompson, of Flagstaff.

Thompson was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center via ambulance with significant, life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital, Hernandez said.

After investigators were called to the scene of the crash, they determined that a vehicle traveling southbound on Fourth Street hit Thompson. Though the vehicle fled the scene, police officers believed that it had most likely sustained noticeable damage to the hood and windshield.

On Monday, 23-year-old Turner Kelly brought his red Honda Civic into an auto glass repair shop, and employees at that shop immediately called officers when they noticed hair in his broken glass windshield and other extensive damage to the front end of the vehicle. Investigators then seized Kelly’s vehicle as evidence and began to question him upon his return to the shop.

During his interview with police officers, Kelly said that he was working as a delivery driver when he struck an unknown object. He claimed that he pulled over and didn’t see anything on the road, so he drove home.

After questioning, Kelly was arrested and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility. He faces possible charges of failure to remain at the scene of a collision involving death or serious injury, per a statement from Hernandez.

Hernandez said that investigators continue to gather additional evidence from Kelly’s vehicle as well as video surveillance from businesses in the area.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Nelvin Thompson.

Fatal Hit-and-Run Wrecks in Arizona

Recent data released by the Arizona Department of Transportation show that nearly 130,000 crashes occurred throughout the state last year. Of those wrecks, several hundred were fatal hit-and-run wrecks. In fact, Interstate 10 claims one of the highest rates of deadly accidents.

These accidents can cause emotional distress, long-term physical problems, issues with insurance companies, and even lost wages or fatal consequences for victims. However, victims and their families can seek help from an Arizona personal injury lawyer and learn more about safeguarding their legal rights after a crash.

ELG’s Phoenix car accident attorneys have years of experience and knowledge when it comes to fighting for victims and their families after they’ve suffered in a crash that occurred through no fault of their own. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact our accident attorneys in Arizona today at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your free consultation. Our compassionate attorneys are ready to help you get the justice and fair compensation you deserve after you’ve suffered due to the negligence of another driver.

Note: As a result of the secondary sources that were used to complete this post, the information included within has not been independently verified by our own staff and may include misinformation. If you read something that, to your knowledge, is incorrect, please contact us as soon as possible and we will correct the inaccuracy.

Disclaimer: As members of the local Phoenix and broader Arizona community, we hope everyone in our community is safe and protected. We cover the events included in this blog as a way to offer support to the victims in similar circumstances and to provide relief during these difficult times. However, this information should not be misconstrued as legal advice, and you should speak with a trained legal professional for more information regarding your situation.