Five people were killed early Sunday in Memphis when their vehicle collided with a police car at the intersection of Hickory Hill and East Raines roads. Six people were riding in the vehicle. The sixth person remains in critical condition at a hospital. Two Memphis police officers were also injured in the crash and have since been released.
Officials have identified four of the victims: Rodney McNeal, 20; Syria Fifer, 21; Messiah Lee, 20; and Carlesha Fifer, 19. By Monday, community members had created a makeshift memorial at the crash site, leaving flowers and candles at the corner. Memphis Mayor Paul Young said his deepest prayers go out to everyone affected, describing the families as facing unimaginable grief. The family of Syria Fifer has also set up a GoFundMe to help with expenses.
Crashes like this one hit differently when they happen at an ordinary corner, the kind of place people pass through without a second thought. Here on the Suncoast, where our roads get crowded and every intersection carries its own history, this story is a reminder to slow down and pay attention behind the wheel. What questions would you want answered if a crash like this happened in your neighborhood? Let us know in the comments.
