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UPDATE: Driver in fatal Blackstone District crash will not be charged with motor vehicle homicide

Ambulance
Posted at 10:33 AM, Dec 04, 2021
and last updated 2022-02-02 17:08:40-05

UPDATE: 12/6/2021

A 20-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle in the Blackstone District, according to Omaha Police.

Around 2 a.m. Saturday, officers responded to 38th and Farnam for a vehicle vs pedestrian crash.

Authorities say a 2019 Mazda CX-5 was traveling westbound on Farnam and a pedestrian was crossing from north to south at 38th St.

The Mazda struck the pedestrian who was later transported to Nebraska Medicine by medics with CPR in progress.

The victim, identified as 20-year-old Kaitlyn Vanessen, later died at the hospital.

The driver of the Mazda was identified as 30-year-old William Wright. His BAC was measured at 0.182, according to police.

Wright was originally booked for motor vehicle homicide, but the Douglas County Attorney's office declined the motor vehicle homicide charges. County Attorney Don Kleine says there is clear video evidence showing that Wright had the right of way because there was a green light at the intersection.

Wright's blood-alcohol level was above the legal limit. He has not been charged with a DUI at this time, according to the county attorney's office, but charges are still pending and the crash is under investigation.

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