Las Vegas woman dies after being struck in crosswalk by pickup truck
Driver arrested after failing to stop at red light, striking woman in marked crosswalk
A 33-year-old Las Vegas woman lost her life Thursday evening after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk in the northwest valley. The tragic incident has resulted in the arrest of the driver and adds to the growing number of traffic fatalities in Las Vegas this year.
Details of the collision
The fatal accident occurred at 5:16 p.m. at the intersection of North Decatur Boulevard and North Rancho Drive, an area located just west of the North Las Vegas Airport. According to the Metropolitan Police Department’s detailed account, the sequence of events highlights a clear case of a driver failing to obey traffic signals.
The victim was positioned at the intersection, waiting in compliance with traffic rules to cross eastbound across North Rancho Drive. She had positioned herself in the designated marked crosswalk, following proper pedestrian safety protocols. Meanwhile, a 2013 Ram 1500 pickup truck was traveling southbound on North Rancho Drive, approaching the same intersection.
When the traffic signal cycled to red, the pedestrian began her legal crossing of the street within the marked crosswalk. However, the Ram pickup failed to stop for the red traffic signal and proceeded into the intersection, striking the woman as she crossed. The impact redirected the pedestrian to the ground while the pickup truck came to a controlled stop after the collision.
Emergency response and outcome
Emergency medical personnel quickly responded to the scene and transported the injured woman to University Medical Center, the region’s primary trauma facility. Despite medical efforts, the 33-year-old Las Vegas resident succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Her identity has not been released pending notification of family members.
The severity of pedestrian-vehicle collisions, particularly those involving larger vehicles like pickup trucks, often results in life-threatening injuries due to the significant size and weight disparity between pedestrians and motor vehicles.
Driver information and legal response
The pickup truck’s driver remained at the scene following the collision, cooperating with responding officers. Police reported that the driver showed no signs of impairment, suggesting that alcohol or drugs were not factors in this tragic incident. This detail makes the failure to stop for the red light even more concerning, as it appears to represent either distracted driving or a deliberate decision to run the traffic signal.
The driver has been identified as Angel Franco Merida, 37, also a Las Vegas resident. Following the investigation at the scene, Merida was arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on charges related to the collision. The specific charges have not been detailed, but they likely include vehicular manslaughter or similar traffic-related felony charges given the fatal outcome.
Intersection safety concerns
The intersection where this tragedy occurred is in a busy area of the northwest valley, with significant vehicle traffic throughout the day. Located near the North Las Vegas Airport, the area sees a mix of local commuter traffic and vehicles related to airport operations. The presence of marked crosswalks indicates that pedestrian traffic is expected and accommodated in the area’s design.
This incident raises questions about intersection safety measures and whether additional protections for pedestrians might be warranted. Many modern intersections include features such as extended crossing times, audible signals, or enhanced visibility measures to protect pedestrians, particularly during evening hours when visibility can be reduced.
Las Vegas traffic safety statistics
The death of this Las Vegas woman represents the 81st traffic-related fatality within the Metropolitan Police Department’s jurisdiction for 2025. This sobering statistic, occurring in mid-June, suggests that Las Vegas is on pace for another year of significant traffic-related deaths.
The high number of traffic fatalities reflects ongoing challenges with road safety in the Las Vegas valley. Factors contributing to traffic dangers include rapid population growth, increased traffic volume, tourist drivers unfamiliar with local roads, and the 24-hour nature of Las Vegas that keeps traffic levels high even during traditionally quieter hours.
Pedestrian safety represents a particular challenge in Las Vegas, where the combination of wide roads designed for high traffic volumes and a growing population of residents who walk for transportation creates numerous potential conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians.
The human cost of traffic violence
Beyond the statistics, this incident represents the loss of a community member and the devastating impact on her family and friends. Traffic fatalities affect entire communities, from the immediate family members who lose a loved one to the first responders who witness these tragedies regularly.
For the driver involved, even though he remained at the scene and cooperated with police, the incident will likely have lasting legal and personal consequences. Traffic fatalities often result in significant criminal charges, civil liability, and the psychological burden of having caused another person’s death.
Legal implications and process
The arrest of Angel Franco Merida indicates that prosecutors believe there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges related to the fatal collision. In Nevada, vehicular manslaughter charges can result from grossly negligent driving that causes death, even without intent to harm.
The legal process will likely examine factors such as the driver’s speed, attention level, and any possible explanations for why he failed to stop for the red traffic signal. Security cameras from nearby businesses or traffic cameras may provide additional evidence about the circumstances of the collision.
Community safety reminders
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of traffic safety for both drivers and pedestrians. For drivers, it underscores the critical nature of paying attention to traffic signals and maintaining awareness of pedestrians, particularly at marked crosswalks where pedestrians have the right of way.
For pedestrians, while this victim was following all proper safety protocols, the incident demonstrates the vulnerability of people on foot and the importance of remaining vigilant even when crossing legally in marked crosswalks.
Ongoing investigation
The Metropolitan Police Department’s investigation into this fatal collision will likely continue as they gather all available evidence and prepare the case for prosecutors. This may include analysis of the vehicles involved, witness statements, and any available video evidence from the area.
The investigation will also examine whether any additional factors contributed to the collision, such as road conditions, lighting, or visibility issues that might have played a role in the tragic outcome.
This story will be updated as additional information becomes available from the ongoing police investigation.
Image Source: https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/2-pedestrians-hospitalized-after-hit-by-truck-on-las-vegas-boulevard-police
Category: Breaking News, Traffic & Roads
Subcategory: Traffic Accidents
Date: 06/20/2025
