Memphis Family Remembers Beloved Brother Lost to Tragic Hit-and-Run
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The air was filled with a mix of pain and remembrance as a family gathered to honor the memory of Jesus Arellano, a young man whose life was cut tragically short in a hit-and-run incident last December. This emotional gathering took place on a chilly day, with temperatures hovering around 43ยฐF, the NNW winds carrying a sense of quiet sorrow as they brushed past the grieving family. As the sun peeked through the clouds, it mirrored the glimmer of hope that somehow, justice would be served.
Struck by Unimaginable Loss
โOnce theyโre gone, itโs the worst feeling ever because you are never going to see them again,โ sobbed Elizabeth Arellano, the sister of the deceased. Her voice trembled with grief as she recounted the moments that changed their family forever. Just shy of his twenty-first birthday, Jesus was a vibrant soul with dreams and aspirations that will now remain unfulfilled.
The pain is still fresh for the Arellano family. โThe past year has been difficult, and we still feel the weight of our loss,โ Elizabeth shared. โItโs hard to believe heโs really gone.โ
Heartbreaking Circumstances
The tragedy unfolded on the morning of December 11, 2023, around 5:00 a.m., when Jesus and his friends were returning home from a party. After being involved in an accident near the Walnut Grove exit of I240, Jesus exited his vehicle, a Nissan Sentra, to assess the situation. In a tragic twist, he was struck by another car, described by witnesses as a gray Infiniti, which didnโt even stop to help. The impact was fatal, leaving Jesus lying on the road while a female passenger in his car suffered serious injuries.
A Familyโs Plea for Justice
Standing alongside her grieving relatives, Maria Arellano, another sister of Jesus, stated, โHow do you live with that guilt and not stop?โ She expressed her frustration and heartache over the thoughtless actions of the driver who fled the scene. โItโs not fair you took something so important from us. Every day we hope he will come home, but deep down we know he wonโt.โ
Maria painted a portrait of her brother as a kind-hearted individual who always lent a hand to those in need. She recalled the brave journey their family made from Mexico to Memphis, highlighting the sacrifices that paved the way for their lives in America.
Messages of Love and Remembrance
As the family weaved through their memories, they took a moment to send a heartfelt message to Jesus. โJust be careful, and beware of those bad friends,โ Maria said, her voice filled with emotion. โAnd we miss you. Hope you are okay up there.โ
Continued Search for Answers
In the wake of their loss, the Arellano family is not only grappling with grief but is also desperately seeking justice. Memphis Police are actively investigating the incident and are appealing to the community for help. Anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.
As the clouds shift and the sun shines through, thereโs a glimmer of hope for the Arellano family that theyโll get the answers they so deeply seek. They want closureโnot just for the heart-wrenching loss of Jesus, but to ensure that what happened to him doesnโt occur to anyone else.
A Community United in Support
With the memories of their beloved brother still fresh, the family stands united in their desire for accountability. They remind everyone to cherish their loved ones and to always remain vigilant on the roads. After all, every moment counts, and a life cut short is a reminder of how precious and fragile life truly is.

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.


