News Summary
A devastating hit-and-run incident in Lexington has resulted in the death of 32-year-old Joshua Hampton. The Fayette County Coroner confirmed his passing from blunt force injuries sustained on April 16. Jaime Caldwell, a local elementary school teacher, has been charged with DUI and leaving the scene after her vehicle struck Hampton. Community members are calling for greater awareness of pedestrian safety and responsible driving practices following this tragedy.
Lexington, Kentucky – Hit-and-Run Incident Results in Pedestrian Death
The Fayette County Coroner has confirmed that a pedestrian injured in a hit-and-run incident on April 16 has died. Joshua Hampton, 32, succumbed to complications from blunt force injuries on April 18, just two days after the collision.
The tragic event occurred at approximately 6:50 a.m. at the intersection of Georgetown Road and Mercer Road. Hampton was struck by a vehicle driven by Jaime Caldwell, a 29-year-old elementary school teacher employed at Glendover Elementary School in Lexington.
Caldwell’s Arrest and Charges
After the incident, Caldwell was located at her workplace, where law enforcement officers discovered damage to her vehicle. Upon further investigation, officers noted the smell of alcohol and observed that Caldwell’s eyes appeared bloodshot and watery. A subsequent breath test revealed her blood alcohol level to be .287, significantly exceeding the legal limit by nearly three and a half times.
Caldwell confessed to consuming alcohol and taking prescription medication prior to driving. As a result of the incident, she was charged with DUI (Aggravated) and Leaving the Scene of an Accident/Failure to Render Aid/Assist with Death or Serious Physical Injury. On April 17, she entered a not guilty plea in relation to these charges. Following the legal proceedings, the case has been forwarded to a grand jury for review.
Caldwell was booked into the Fayette County Detention Center and later released on a $25,000 bond. As the investigation continues, she has been placed on administrative leave from her position within the Fayette County Public Schools system.
Details Surrounding Joshua Hampton’s Passing
The coroner’s office has ruled Joshua Hampton’s death as an accident. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding pedestrian safety and the consequences of driving under the influence.
Impact and Community Response
The community is mourning the loss of Hampton, who was struck in the early hours when pedestrian traffic is typically lower. Local residents are expressing their condolences and calling for increased awareness regarding the dangers of impaired driving, noting the tragic consequences of such actions.
With this incident, emphasis has been placed on the importance of safe driving habits and the dire implications of alcohol consumption when operating a vehicle. This event serves as a somber reminder for community members to prioritize safety and responsibility on the roads.
As the situation develops with the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings surrounding Caldwell, Hamilton’s family and friends are remembering him as a cherished member of their community. His untimely death has sparked discussions about road safety enforcement and the need for preventive measures to protect pedestrians.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Teacher Arrested After Hit-and-Run in Lexington
Lexington Faces Rising Tide of Traffic Accidents
Additional Resources
- Lex18: One Dead Following Hit-and-Run Collision
- WKYT: Victim of Lexington DUI Hit-and-Run Has Died
- WTVQ: Coroner Releases Name of Man Killed in Hit-and-Run
- Kentucky.com: Teacher Arrested After Hit-and-Run
- Lex18: Inbound Lanes Blocked Due to Collision
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-Run
- Google Search: Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
- Google Scholar: Pedestrian Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Driving Under the Influence
- Google News: Hit-and-Run Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
