A tragic road accident in Arizona has shocked the local community after a young cyclist lost her life in a hit-and-run crash. Police say the driver involved was under the influence of fentanyl and later admitted to using the drug before getting behind the wheel. The case has raised serious concerns about drug use and road safety.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | Eric Hodge |
| Age | 46 |
| Victim | Hannah Henry, 26 |
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Main charges | Reckless manslaughter and other felonies |
| Bail amount | $750,000 cash |
| Next court date | February 13 |
Fatal hit-and-run incident
A 46-year-old Arizona man, Eric Hodge, has been arrested after a deadly hit-and-run that killed 26-year-old cyclist Hannah Henry. The incident happened on Sunday near the intersection of Central Avenue and Elwood Street in Phoenix.
According to police reports, Henry was riding her bicycle when a van allegedly driven by Hodge entered the bike lane from behind. The vehicle struck her and ran over her before continuing to drive away without stopping.
First responders arrived quickly and found Henry in critical condition with severe injuries. Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Driver allegedly high on fentanyl
Court documents reveal that Hodge admitted to smoking fentanyl shortly before driving. He reportedly told police that when he uses the drug, he sometimes passes out randomly and wakes up in different places.
He also admitted that after the crash, he bought more fentanyl worth about $100. Police later found drug-related items in his pockets when he was taken into custody.
During his first court appearance, Hodge claimed he didn’t realise he hit a person. He told the judge that he thought he hit a fire hydrant and said he had “fallen asleep” while driving.
How police tracked him down
Traffic cameras captured the van involved in the crash, helping officers trace it to a nearby home. When police arrived, the registered owner of the vehicle confirmed that Hodge had been driving.
As officers spoke with the homeowner, Hodge allegedly tried to leave the house through the back door. Police quickly caught him and brought him in for questioning.
During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to using fentanyl before driving and described seeing “a girl on a bicycle” on the road, but claimed he did not realise he had hit her.
Victim remembered
Hannah Henry was a former triathlete known for her active lifestyle and passion for cycling. Her sudden death has deeply affected friends, family, and the local community. Many people have expressed grief and called for stricter action against impaired driving.
Charges and legal action
Hodge now faces multiple serious charges, including:
- Reckless manslaughter
- Leaving the scene of a deadly crash
- Possession of narcotic drugs
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Prosecutors described him as a danger to the community during his court appearance. The judge agreed and set his bail at $750,000 cash. He remains in custody at the Maricopa County Jail.
