Memphis, January 21, 2026
A man was critically injured in southeast Memphis after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of American Way and Lamar Avenue. He was taken to a local hospital but later died from his injuries. The driver remained on the scene and is cooperating with the authorities, who are investigating the circumstances of the incident. This event highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in Memphis, as the community continues to deal with a series of traffic-related incidents.
Memphis, Tennessee: Man Seriously Injured After Being Hit by Car in Southeast Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee – A man was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in southeast Memphis on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Memphis Police Department (MPD). The incident occurred around 12:50 p.m. at the intersection of American Way and Lamar Avenue. The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. The MPD is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. No further details have been released at this time.
Recent Traffic Incidents in Memphis
This incident adds to a series of recent traffic-related events in the Memphis area. On March 16, 2025, a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run occurred at Sycamore View Road and Shelby Oaks Drive. An unknown driver struck and fatally injured a male pedestrian before fleeing the scene. The vehicle involved was described as a dark-colored 2020-2021 Honda Civic with damage to the front, hood, and windshield. The driver was last seen heading northbound on Sycamore View Road from Shelby Oaks Drive. The MPD is seeking information from the public to assist in the investigation.
Additionally, on August 7, 2025, a fatal hit-and-run took place on I-40 near Third Street. An unknown driver struck and fatally injured a male pedestrian before fleeing the scene. The MPD is also seeking information from the public to assist in this investigation.
Background on Traffic Safety in Memphis
Memphis has experienced a series of traffic-related incidents in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety and driver behavior. The MPD continues to investigate these incidents and urges the public to exercise caution and report any information that may assist in resolving these cases. With pedestrian safety becoming an increasing priority, community awareness and involvement can significantly impact outcomes on local roads.
Contact Information
Anyone with information about the recent incidents is encouraged to contact the Memphis Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH. Your assistance is vital in ensuring the safety of the community and bringing those responsible to justice.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Intersection of American Way and Lamar Avenue, southeast Memphis |
| Time | Tuesday afternoon, approximately 12:50 p.m. |
| Victim’s Condition | Transported to hospital in critical condition; later died from injuries |
| Driver’s Status | Remained at the scene; cooperating with authorities |
| Investigation | MPD investigating the circumstances; no further details released |
What happened in the recent incident in southeast Memphis?
A man was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of American Way and Lamar Avenue on Tuesday afternoon. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. The MPD is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. No further details have been released at this time.
Have there been other recent traffic incidents in Memphis?
Yes, there have been several recent traffic-related incidents in Memphis. Notably, on March 16, 2025, a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run occurred at Sycamore View Road and Shelby Oaks Drive. An unknown driver struck and fatally injured a male pedestrian before fleeing the scene. The vehicle involved was described as a dark-colored 2020-2021 Honda Civic with damage to the front, hood, and windshield. The driver was last seen heading northbound on Sycamore View Road from Shelby Oaks Drive. The MPD is seeking information from the public to assist in the investigation.
What is being done to address traffic safety in Memphis?
The Memphis Police Department continues to investigate these incidents and urges the public to exercise caution and report any information that may assist in resolving these cases. The department is committed to ensuring the safety of the community and bringing those responsible to justice.
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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 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 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.
