Driver charged with manslaughter in fatal May crash

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The 21-year-old driver in a fatal May 7 traffic accident has been charged with second-degree manslaughter.

According to Lexington Police, Axel Ndagijimana remains in the Fayette County Detention Center on $50,000 bond in connection with the crash that happened at about 2:40 a.m. in the 800 block of West High Street near downtown.

The preliminary investigation found Ndagijimana was speeding west on High Street where it curve toward Oliver Lewis Drive. The car left the road and struck a utility pole, police said.

A passenger, 20-year-old Ralph Hirwa was pronounced dead at the scene while Ndagijimana suffered minor injuries.

The investigation has indicated speed and alcohol were contributing factors in this collision, police said in a statement.

The Lexington Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Additional charges may be possible.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Lexington Police Special Operations (Collision Reconstruction Unit) at (859) 258-3663.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers by calling (859) 253-2020, online at www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com, or through the P3 tips app available at www.p3tips.com.