Tragic Death of Rholaniel Charleston in Phoenix Bus Accident


In a tragic incident that has left the community in shock, Rholaniel Charleston, a 31-year-old man, was identified by the Phoenix Police Department as the victim who died after being allegedly struck by a Valley Metro bus in downtown Phoenix in late July. The unfortunate event took place on July 22nd at approximately 11:45 p.m. near the intersection of Central Avenue and Van Buren Street.

According to Sgt. Mayra Reeson of the Phoenix Police Department, officers responded promptly to reports of a person hit by a bus. Upon their arrival, they found Charleston suffering from severe injuries. Despite the immediate life-saving measures attempted by the first responders, Charleston was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a somber end to what should have been an ordinary evening.

The Valley Metro bus involved in the incident remained at the scene, and while this provided some initial contextual information, it left many questions unanswered. Sgt. Reeson declined to disclose specifics regarding how the collision occurred, citing ongoing investigations. Valley Metro also did not respond to requests for further information, adding to the air of mystery surrounding the tragic event.

This incident is particularly alarming as it marks the second fatal crash involving a Valley Metro bus this summer. Earlier, on May 9th, another fatal accident occurred on the Loop 202 in Tempe, involving a Valley Metro bus and another vehicle. The frequency of such incidents has raised safety concerns among residents and city officials alike.

In another related tragic event during the summer of 2023, a driver lost their life in a fatal crash involving a Valley Metro bus near Seventh Street and Bell Road in Phoenix. These repeated incidents involving Valley Metro buses have raised serious questions about the safety protocols and measures in place to prevent such unfortunate occurrences.

As the investigation into Charleston’s death continues, community members are left grappling with the sudden and tragic loss. The circumstances surrounding how Charleston came to be in the path of the bus remain unclear, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with public transportation systems.

The Phoenix community is mourning the loss of Rholaniel Charleston, a young life cut short under tragic circumstances. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that answers will be found that may prevent future tragedies of this nature. The incident has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the community and has sparked discussions on the need for enhanced safety measures for both pedestrians and public transportation users.

In conclusion, the death of Rholaniel Charleston is a tragic event that has cast a pall over the Phoenix community. With ongoing investigations and a call for improved safety measures, the hope is that such incidents will become a thing of the past, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.

By | August 3, 2024
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“Rholaniel Charleston Identified as Victim in July Valley Metro Bus Fatality”.

Hey there! So, here’s the scoop: the Phoenix Police Department has identified 31-year-old Rholaniel Charleston as the person who tragically lost his life in downtown Phoenix after allegedly being hit by a Valley Metro bus late July. This all went down on July 22, just before the clock struck midnight. Around 11:45 p.m., cops got a call about a person struck by a bus near Central Avenue and Van Buren Street.

When officers showed up, they found Charleston badly injured. Despite their best efforts and those of first responders, Charleston sadly couldn’t be saved and was pronounced dead right there. Sgt. Mayra Reeson mentioned that the Valley Metro bus involved in the crash stayed at the scene, but she wasn’t spilling any details about how exactly Charleston collided with the bus.

Valley Metro, on the other hand, kept mum when asked for more info by The Republic. What’s even more alarming is that this is the second fatal incident involving a Valley Metro bus this summer. Just a couple of months earlier, on May 9, there was another deadly crash on Loop 202 in Tempe. And let’s not forget, earlier this summer, another crash near Seventh Street and Bell Road in Phoenix took another life.

So yeah, it’s been a rough season for Valley Metro bus incidents. Stay safe out there, folks!

Man fatally hit by Valley Metro bus in July is identified as Rholaniel Charleston

Phoenix Police Department identified 31-year-old Rholaniel Charleston as the person who died in downtown Phoenix after being allegedly struck by a bus in late July.

On July 22 around 11:45 p.m., Phoenix police responded to reports of a person who was hit by a Valley Metro bus near Central Avenue and Van Buren Street.

Officers arrived at the scene and found Charleston with serious injuries, according to Sgt. Mayra Reeson. First responders attempted life saving measures, but Charleston was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Valley Metro bus stayed at the scene of the crash, according to Reeson.

Reeson declined to answer questions regarding how Charleston collied with the bus.

Valley Metro did not respond to The Republic’s request for more information.

This is the second fatal crash involving a Valley Metro bus this summer, following a May 9 crash involving another vehicle on the Loop 202 in Tempe.

In the summer of 2023, a driver was killed in a fatal crash involving a Valley Metro bus in Phoenix near Seventh Street and Bell Road.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rholaniel Charleston ID’d as victim fatally hit by Valley Metro bus

Who Was Rholaniel Charleston?

On a late July night, tragedy struck downtown Phoenix as 31-year-old Rholaniel Charleston was fatally hit by a Valley Metro bus. Identified by the Phoenix Police Department, Charleston’s untimely death has left many questions unanswered. Known to friends and family as a vibrant individual, his sudden demise has reverberated through the community.

What Happened on July 22?

It was around 11:45 p.m. on July 22 when Phoenix police received reports of an individual being struck by a bus near Central Avenue and Van Buren Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Charleston with severe injuries. Despite the best efforts of first responders, who attempted life-saving measures, Charleston was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Sgt. Mayra Reeson.

What Did the Initial Investigation Reveal?

Sgt. Reeson mentioned that the Valley Metro bus involved in the incident remained at the scene. However, Reeson declined to provide specifics on how Charleston collided with the bus. The lack of details has left many grappling for answers. Valley Metro also did not respond to an information request from The Arizona Republic, further shrouding the incident in mystery.

Is This an Isolated Incident?

Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident for Valley Metro buses this summer. There have been multiple fatal crashes involving these buses. On May 9, a crash involving a Valley Metro bus and another vehicle occurred on the Loop 202 in Tempe, resulting in fatalities, as reported by Yahoo News. Additionally, another fatal crash took place near Seventh Street and Bell Road in Phoenix during the summer of 2023 (Yahoo News).

What Are the Next Steps?

As the investigation continues, the Phoenix Police Department will likely delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Charleston’s death. Given the gravity of the situation and the recurring nature of such incidents, public safety concerns are paramount. Until then, the community can only wait for answers and hope for measures to prevent future tragedies.

How Is the Community Reacting?

The local community is understandably shaken by Charleston’s death. Friends, family, and residents are mourning the loss of a life gone too soon. While the community waits for more information, the incident has sparked conversations about pedestrian safety and the measures in place to protect individuals in busy downtown areas.

What Can Be Done to Improve Safety?

Safety improvements might include better lighting, clearer signage, and enhanced crosswalks in high-traffic areas. Additionally, increased training for bus drivers and more stringent safety protocols could play a crucial role in preventing similar incidents. Public awareness campaigns could also help pedestrians navigate busy city streets more safely.

Where Can We Find More Information?

For those seeking more information about this incident and ongoing investigations, keeping an eye on updates from reliable local news sources like The Arizona Republic is advisable. Additionally, official statements from the Phoenix Police Department and Valley Metro could provide further clarity in the days to come.

How Can We Support the Charleston Family?

During such challenging times, community support can make a significant difference. Offering condolences, attending memorial services, and donating to funds organized for the Charleston family can provide much-needed emotional and financial support. Engaging in community discussions about safety can also honor Charleston’s memory by working to prevent future tragedies.