Memphis Police Seek Driver in Heartbreaking Hit-and-Run Incident
Memphis, TennesseeโIn a tragic turn of events, Memphis Police are desperately searching for a driver responsible for a fatal hit-and-run that unfolded late Saturday night. This grave incident occurred at around 11:00 p.m. at the intersection of Winchester Road and Heather Ridge Drive, where a man named Freddy Lopez lost his life after being struck by a vehicle.
According to police reports, a burgundy four-door vehicle was traveling eastbound when it collided with Freddy, who was crossing the street with his brother, Byron Perez-Lopez. The family shared that the two had just finished a long day at work and were paying their respects by placing flowers for another loved one when the unthinkable happened.
Byron recounted the moments leading up to the tragic accident. โThe last thing I heard was my brother saying, โWait for meโ as he tried to cross the road. I was right behind him, and I ran over to him after the impact,โ he recalled, his voice filled with sorrow. In a desperate act, Byron ran toward Freddy after hearing a loud crash that he described as sounding like โBoom!โ Unfortunately, the situation was dire, and Freddy sustained severe injuries.
After the crash, the driver sped away from the scene, heading eastbound on Winchester Road towards Clarke Road. Authorities are concerned that the car will showcase heavy damage on the front driverโs side along with a shattered front windshield from the collision.
A Familyโs Grief
Byron, deeply affected by his brotherโs untimely death, expressed the overwhelming sense of loss that has enveloped their family. โMy brother was a favorite amongst our family. Everyone loved him because he was just a genuinely good person,โ he shared. Freddy, known for his kindness, had a heart for helping othersโa quality that Byron hopes to honor in his brotherโs memory.
โJust the other day, he saw someone who didnโt have enough cash at the store and he told them, โDonโt worry, Iโll put it on my card.โ Thatโs the kind of person he was,โ Byron said, with a mix of pride and heartbreak. Their family is now left in mourning and is urging the community for support. They want to remind everyone to drive cautiously and for pedestrians to be vigilant when crossing streets.
Byron has a heartfelt message for the driver who fled the scene. โIf youโre out there listening, please, think with your conscience,โ he implored. โIf I had been the one who hit someone, I would have stopped to check on them. You can’t just leave someone lying there without knowing if they are okay.โ
Community Support
As they navigate this painful time, Byron and his family are reaching out for help with funeral expenses. โItโs hard to think about these things, but we are in need,โ he said, emphasizing how much Freddy meant to them. The family welcomes donations and anyone who wishes to assist is encouraged to reach out.
If you have any information regarding the hit-and-run incident, police are urging you to contact Crime Stoppers or reach out to Sgt. R. Strickland of the Memphis Police Departmentโs STIS Bureau at (901) 636-4046. Every bit of information could help in the pursuit of justice for Freddy and his grieving family.
In times like these, itโs crucial for our community to come together. As Byron shared his story, it reminded us all of the importance of compassion and responsibilityโnot just on the roads, but in all aspects of our lives.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby 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 areaโwith 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 Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
