An 18-year-old Montgomery resident lost his life in a tragic hit-and-run crash early Friday morning on East South Boulevard. Shelby McGhee Jr. was struck by a vehicle in the 1200 block of East South Boulevard at approximately 2:20 a.m., according to Montgomery Police Department Lt. Tina McGriff. Emergency responders transported McGhee to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver responsible for striking the teenager fled the scene immediately following the collision and has not yet been apprehended. Montgomery Police Department investigators are actively working to identify and locate the driver who left the scene. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities gather evidence and seek witnesses who may have information about the incident. This devastating loss has impacted the Montgomery community, and police are urging anyone with information about the crash or the vehicle involved to come forward to assist in bringing justice for McGhee and his family.

Location and Infrastructure

The 1200 block of East South Boulevard where this fatal hit-and-run occurred is a significant thoroughfare in Montgomery, serving as a major east-west corridor through the city. East South Boulevard connects multiple residential and commercial areas and typically experiences consistent traffic flow throughout the day and night. The roadway characteristics in this area, including lighting conditions, speed limits, and pedestrian infrastructure, will be important factors in the ongoing investigation. The early morning timing of the crash at 2:20 a.m. means visibility and reduced traffic patterns may have been contributing factors to the incident. This section of East South Boulevard is in a developed area of Montgomery, and investigators will likely examine road conditions, street lighting, crosswalk availability, and any traffic control devices present at the crash location as part of their comprehensive investigation.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama law, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a serious criminal offense that can result in felony charges for the fleeing driver. Alabama Code § 32-10-1 requires drivers involved in crashes resulting in injury to stop, render aid, and provide information to authorities. For the victim's family, Alabama's wrongful death statute (Alabama Code § 6-5-410) may provide grounds for civil action against the responsible party once identified. These cases can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, and the family's loss of companionship. Alabama operates under a contributory negligence standard, which can affect recovery in personal injury and wrongful death cases. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Alabama is generally two years from the date of death, making timely consultation with legal counsel important. Hit-and-run cases may also involve uninsured motorist coverage claims if the responsible party is never identified or lacks adequate insurance.

Related Resources

Emergency and Law Enforcement:

• Montgomery Police Department: (334) 625-2831
• Montgomery Police Traffic Division
• CrimeStoppers of Central Alabama: (334) 215-STOP (7867)

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Programs
• Montgomery Area Transportation Safety Coalition
• Alabama Traffic Safety Center

Support Services:

• Victim Services Unit, Montgomery Police Department
• Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission
• National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Alabama Code Title 32 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
• Alabama Department of Public Safety
• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Highway Patrol Division