Coroner IDs girl killed in North Las Vegas crash – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
North Las Vegas — A makeshift memorial of flowers and a wreath now stands near a twisted utility pole at the scene where a high-speed crash claimed the life of a teenager over the weekend.[1][2] The Clark County coroner’s office identified 17-year-old Janiah Gant, affectionately nicknamed “Smiley” by family, as the girl pronounced dead after a BMW veered onto a sidewalk and struck two pedestrians Saturday afternoon.[2] Authorities arrested the driver on suspicion of reckless driving and other serious charges as the investigation into possible impairment continues.[1]
The Chaotic Sequence at Simmons and Craig
A 2020 BMW X3 sped northbound on Simmons Street toward the Craig Road intersection around 3:40 p.m. on May 2.[1] Witnesses reported the vehicle weaving through traffic and passing other cars at a high rate of speed before it collided with a 2021 Kia Optima that was turning left.[3] The impact sent the BMW careening out of control.
The SUV then veered off the roadway, slamming into a utility pole, landscaping features, and a cinderblock wall before striking the two young women on the sidewalk.[1] Debris scattered across the area, including parts of a charred tree and bent metal fencing, while power flickered out nearby, prompting evacuations.[3] The Kia driver escaped injury, as did a child passenger in the BMW…