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.
North Las Vegas police responded quickly to reports of a vehicle-pedestrian collision and secured the chaotic scene.[4]
Two Young Lives Forever Altered
Janiah Gant, 17, suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.[2] Her companion, 19-year-old Leilani Wigfall, sustained critical wounds and required hospitalization.[2]
Alisha Dillon, a relative organizing support efforts, remembered Gant as loving and kind.[2] Dillon noted Wigfall faces a long recovery, including rehabilitation, multiple surgeries, and dental reconstruction after losing all her teeth in the crash. “We are trying to focus on grieving for Janiah and supporting Leilani through her recovery,” she wrote.[2]
Driver Faces Felony Reckless Driving Charges
Triquan Keevon Hughes, 31, piloted the BMW and showed signs of possible impairment, according to investigators.[1] Officers conducted a blood draw to test for substances, though results remain pending.
- Two felony counts of reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm
- One felony count of child abuse or neglect
- Misdemeanor driving without a valid license
- Misdemeanor reckless driving with disregard for safety or property
Hughes remained in custody as of the coroner’s release Monday.[2] Police emphasized the driver’s aggressive maneuvers leading up to the intersection.
Ongoing Probe and Community Response
The North Las Vegas Police Department continues its review of the incident, urging tips from the public.[4] Anyone with information can contact detectives at 702-633-9111 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
At the crash site, community members left tributes near a mesquite tree, underscoring the sudden loss felt in the neighborhood.[1] As family members grapple with grief and recovery needs, the case highlights the devastating toll of reckless driving on busy streets. Authorities stressed that full details will emerge as toxicology reports and witness accounts solidify.
