The Cleveland community is mourning the tragic loss of Nelson Velez, 51, who died after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash early Monday morning. The incident has left family members grieving, neighbors shaken, and investigators searching for the driver who fled the scene, leaving behind a life forever changed.
According to the Cleveland Division of Police, officers were dispatched to the 6500 block of Denison Avenue shortly after 2:30 a.m. following reports of a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle. When officers arrived, they found the victim seriously injured in the roadway. Police said the vehicle involved in the crash had already left the area before officers could arrive.
Emergency medical services responded quickly and transported the victim to a nearby hospital by ambulance. Despite efforts by first responders and medical staff, Nelson Velez was later pronounced deceased due to the severity of his injuries. His death has been ruled the result of a hit-skip crash, a term used when a driver leaves the scene without stopping to help or report the incident.
Authorities confirmed that no arrests have been made so far. The case is now being handled by the Cleveland Police Accident Investigation Unit, which is working to piece together exactly what happened. Investigators closed the intersection overnight as they examined the scene, collected evidence, and searched for surveillance footage or witnesses who may have seen the crash or the vehicle involved.
Police are urging anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have information about the vehicle or driver to come forward. Even small details, investigators say, could prove critical in identifying the person responsible. Leaving the scene of a crash involving serious injury or death is a felony under Ohio law, and authorities stress the importance of accountability.
As the investigation continues, loved ones remember Nelson Velez as a person whose life mattered deeply. His sudden passing is a painful reminder of the dangers pedestrians face, particularly during early morning hours when visibility is low and traffic risks increase. The community now waits for answers, hoping justice will be served and that Nelson’s life will be honored through truth and accountability.
