Police are urging Henderson drivers to slow down after two people were killed Monday by drivers suspected of speeding.
“I’m appealing to our community and those that are driving on our roadways to simply slow down, obey our traffic regulations,” said Henderson Police Department Chief Thedrick Andres on Wednesday. “More importantly, have respect for those that share the roadway with you.”
Tuimanino Alailefaleula, 44, of Henderson died Monday after his Jeep was struck from behind at a red light, causing the Jeep to burst into flames. According to the Clark County coroner’s office, Alailefaleula later died at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.
13-year-old Rex Patchett of Henderson was hit and killed by a Ford Mustang on Monday while walking on the sidewalk near the 100 block of East Paradise Hills Drive.
Henderson police said the driver was speeding and lost control of the vehicle, causing the death of the 13-year-old.
Police also confirmed that the driver was not suspected to be impaired, but detectives are still investigating the incident.
“I am extremely disheartened when I have to stand before you today regarding a 13-year-old who was walking along our sidewalks in our community and loses his life because of reckless driving behavior,” said Chief Andres.
The police department also noted that there have been five fatal crashes investigated already this year.
In 2022, the Henderson police made 8,556 traffic stops and issued 1,758 spending citations, but Sgt. Roger Matuszak says drivers can have a much larger impact than officers.
“If people can control the way they drive it’s going to solve a lot more problems than our enforcement efforts will,” said Matuszak.
Since 2006, last year was the deadliest year on Nevada roadways with 382 fatalities.
The Clark County Office of Traffic Safety announced that 39 people have died in crashes in the county as of March 1, 25 percent more than the same time last year.
“Car accidents are on the rise in the Las Vegas area. At Edward M Bernstein and Associates, we take these accidents seriously. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, we can help you. Call 702-996-3917.
Note: These posts are created using publicly available (secondary) sources. The information has not been independently verified. If you see any information that should be corrected, please bring it to our attention, and we will make adjustments. The photos included in these posts do not represent the actual accident scene.”