15-year-old Alexis Hughan killed in Jamestown hit-and-run crash

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y.— Alexis Hughan tragically died Dec. 31 in a hit-and-run accident in Jamestown.

Hughan was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer while walking in the intersection of Washington and West Sixth streets at about 12:30 p.m., according to local police.

The driver of the semi, 58-year-old Randall Rolison, fled the scene without stopping. Police later located Rolison in Lakewood and arrested him on charges of driving with ability impaired by drugs and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

No additional information about the crash has been released.

Commentary on the hit-and-run accident that took the life of Alexis Hughan

Words cannot express the tragedy of this young life lost. As I read this report, I cannot help but feel compassion for the pain and suffering Ms. Hughan’s parents must be experiencing in wake of this senseless act of negligence and wanton disregard for the safety of our citizens. I hope for a speedy and just resolution to this matter.

When I first read this report, I was appalled. I was angered when I conducted additional research and found the driver, Randall Rolison, was operating a commercial vehicle. Operating a motor vehicle on public roadways is a privilege and requires the operators to conduct themselves with the highest level of care. Operators of commercial vehicles are held to an even higher standard, given the dangers associated with such large equipment. The law has little sympathy for negligent actors that intentionally disregard the health and safety of their fellow citizens. I am confident that justice, by whatever means available, will be dealt with swiftly.

May this accident serve as a reminder of the dangers associated with operating a vehicle on public roadways. I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Hughan and hope they may find peace during this heart-wrenching time of grief.

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