In a tragic incident on April 1, 2025, 27-year-old Jason Lewis of St. Peters lost his life in a hit-and-run accident in the Gravois Park neighborhood of St. Louis.
The suspect, identified as Tamarris L. Buckner, 29, was apprehended following a thorough investigation and community assistance.
Incident Details
- Date and Time: April 1, 2025, at approximately 7:50 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of Gravois Avenue and Bamberger Avenue, Gravois Park, St. Louis
- Victim: Jason Lewis, 27, of St. Peters
- Suspect: Tamarris L. Buckner, 29
Sequence of Events
- Collision: Jason Lewis was riding his bicycle westbound on Gravois Avenue and then turned south onto Bamberger Avenue. As he crossed into the eastbound lanes of Gravois Avenue, he was struck by a silver Ford Edge SUV.
- Aftermath: The impact caused Lewis to land in the westbound lanes of Gravois Avenue, where he was subsequently struck by three other vehicles. Two of these vehicles remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
- Fatality: Lewis was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Investigation and Arrest
- Surveillance Footage: Authorities reviewed surveillance videos capturing the Ford Edge involved in the incident.
- Public Appeal: Images of the vehicle were released to the public on April 4, 2025, leading to numerous tips.
- Suspect Identification: Information gathered pointed to Tamarris L. Buckner as the driver.
- Admission: During questioning, Buckner admitted to consuming alcohol and marijuana on the day of the crash.
- Charges: Buckner was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Class D felony.
- Detention: She was booked at the St. Louis Criminal Justice Center and is held without bond pending further proceedings.
Community Impact
Residents expressed shock over the incident, highlighting the need for improved safety measures on Gravois Avenue, a road known for its high traffic speeds and previous accidents.
Advocates are calling for protected bike lanes to enhance cyclist safety.
Safety Recommendations
- For Cyclists:
- Always use designated bike lanes where available.
- Wear visible and protective gear, including helmets.
- Obey all traffic signals and signs.
- For Motorists:
- Adhere to speed limits, especially in areas with high pedestrian and cyclist activity.
- Be vigilant for cyclists, particularly during evening hours.
- Avoid distractions and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The tragic death of Jason Lewis underscores the critical need for enhanced road safety measures to protect all users.
The swift action of law enforcement, bolstered by community support, led to the timely apprehension of the suspect.
Ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and enforce traffic laws are essential to prevent such incidents in the future.