The Lexington Police Department Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal collision that occurred on West High Street.
At around 2:42 am Friday, May 7, 2021, police and fire department personnel were dispatched to an injury collision near the 800 block of West High Street. The preliminary investigation found that a passenger vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed as it traveled West on High Street prior to Oliver Lewis. The passenger vehicle lost control and ran off the right shoulder of the roadway into a utility pole.
A passenger in the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. He has been identified by the Fayette County Coroner’s Office as 20-year-old, Ralph Hirwa. The driver of the vehicle has been identified as 21-year-old, Axel Ndagijimana. Ndagijimana suffered minor injuries in the collision.
The investigation has indicated speed and alcohol were contributing factors in this collision. Ndagijimana has been charged with Manslaughter 2nd and is currently being held at the Fayette County Detention Center.
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.
