Fatal Pedestrian Accident Near UNLV Campus in East Las Vegas Claims Life of Jessica Fodge, 31
1 dead after suspected DUI crash in east Las Vegas near UNLV; driver arrested
Evidence at the scene showed the Chevrolet driver ran a red light while making a wide turn, hitting a woman who was crossing on the sidewalk, police said.
Las Vegas mother of 4 killed in suspected DUI crash
The driver, identified by police as Gerardo Lopez, was arrested and faces charges of suspicion of impairment and reckless driving and is being held on a $250,000 bail; a court date has been set for Mar. 11, according to court records.
Aid Devon & His 4 Children After DUI Tragedy
She was a loving mother to four beautiful children, ages 6, 7, 8, and 9, who are now left without their mom.
A tragic pedestrian collision claimed the life of a 31-year-old mother of four on Wednesday morning near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus. The fatal crash occurred just before 9 a.m. at the intersection of South University Center Drive and East Twain Avenue when a 2025 Chevrolet Trax allegedly ran a red light while making a wide turn, striking Jessica Fodge who was walking on the sidewalk. According to police reports, emergency responders transported Fodge to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. Family members revealed that Fodge was walking home after dropping her children off at school when the collision occurred. The driver, identified as Gerardo Lopez, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of impairment and reckless driving. Lopez is being held on $250,000 bail and made his initial court appearance on Thursday at 9 a.m., with a subsequent court date scheduled for March 11, according to court records. The tragic incident has left Fodge's four children, aged six to nine, without their mother.
Location and Infrastructure
The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of South University Center Drive and East Twain Avenue, a busy thoroughfare located in east Las Vegas adjacent to the UNLV campus. This intersection experiences heavy pedestrian traffic due to its proximity to the university, nearby residential areas, and local schools. The area features multiple crosswalks and traffic signals intended to manage the flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic safely. University Center Drive serves as a major north-south artery connecting the university district with surrounding neighborhoods, while East Twain Avenue is an important east-west connector in this area of Las Vegas. The intersection is designed with standard traffic control signals and marked pedestrian crossings, though the collision occurred when the vehicle allegedly made an improper turn and struck the victim on the sidewalk, bypassing these safety measures.
Legal Rights and Considerations
Under Nevada law, families who lose loved ones in DUI-related crashes may pursue wrongful death claims against the responsible driver. Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 41 governs these cases, allowing eligible survivors to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. The state's comparative negligence laws may affect recovery if multiple parties share fault, though pedestrians on sidewalks generally have right-of-way protection. Nevada imposes a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death claims, meaning families must file within two years of the death. In cases involving criminal charges like DUI, victims' families may also be eligible for Nevada's Victims of Crime Program, which can provide financial assistance for certain expenses. Additionally, Nevada's dram shop laws may allow claims against establishments that over-served visibly intoxicated patrons if this contributed to the accident.
Related Resources
Emergency Services
- Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: (702) 828-3111
- University Medical Center of Southern Nevada: (702) 383-2000
- Clark County Fire Department: (702) 455-7311
Traffic Safety Resources
- Nevada Department of Transportation Safety Programs: (775) 888-7000
- UNLV Traffic Safety Coalition: (702) 895-3595
- Clark County Pedestrian Safety Initiative: (702) 455-6000
Support Services for Accident Victims
- Nevada Victims of Crime Program: (702) 486-2740
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Las Vegas: (702) 331-3611
- "Aid Devon & His 4 Children After DUI Tragedy" GoFundMe organized by Chanell Dudley
Legal Resources
- Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 484B (Rules of the Road): www.leg.state.nv.us
- Nevada Department of Public Safety - Office of Traffic Safety: (775) 684-7480
- State Bar of Nevada Lawyer Referral Service: (702) 382-0504
What you need to know after a serious Las Vegas car accident
When someone has been seriously injured in a car crash in Las Vegas, they must deal with medical bills and lost wages.
After a serious car collision, it is crucial to quickly get the information needed to make good decisions. Getting appropriate medical treatment is just one aspect of recovering. Getting help in handling the personal injury insurance claim that will begin financial recovery is another.
If the injuries are serious, it is best to contact an experienced Las Vegas injury lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation. Serious injury accident claims are hard to handle without the help of a good lawyer who understands the process. Learn more about how an experienced Las Vegas DUI lawyer can help.
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