Early on Sunday morning, December 13, a man drove while drunk and caused the death of a passenger.

According to Memphis police, the accident happened just before 2.30 a.m. at Raleigh-Millington Road and St Elmo in the Raleigh area. Jose Lopez, aged 27 was driving a 1999 Lincoln Navigator and he veered across the center line and into oncoming traffic. He smashed into a 2006 Kia which was heading north on Raleigh-Millington.

The driver of the Kia was critically injured and was transported to the Regional Medical Center. The passenger in the Kia was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to a witness, Lopez left the scene but did return and the witness subdued him until the police arrived. Lopez then provided the police with a false name but was charged with vehicular homicide involving intoxication, vehicular assault, DUI, public intoxication, reckless driving and other traffic offenses.

He is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail.

If you have been in an accident, the Memphis accident attorneys Jackson & Tucker, P.C., are here to help. Please do not wait until time runs out to take legal action. Call us today at (866) 252-3535 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.