Stephon Harris killed in pedestrian crash on Eastern Avenue

Driver fled after teen was struck while walking home near Hardwick Street in Kentwood

May 07, 2026 | Kentwood, MI

What happened in the crash?

Stephon Harris, 17, died in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident near Eastern Avenue Southeast and Hardwick Street in Kentwood.
• Date and time: The incident occurred late on May 5 when the victim was walking home after work.
• Location: Near Eastern Avenue Southeast and Hardwick Street in Kentwood, Michigan.
• Victim details: Stephon Harris, 17, an 11th-grade student at Kelloggsville High School who had finished a shift at KFC.
• Vehicle description: A dark-colored SUV showing front-end and passenger-side damage with a missing passenger-side mirror.
• Response: Kentwood police responded early the next day after a body was reported and continued to seek the driver.

Why do hit-and-run incidents occur?

• Drivers may attempt to avoid immediate legal consequences by leaving the scene.
• National data shows that more than one hit-and-run crash happens every minute on U.S. roads, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
• Factors such as road conditions, visibility, and lighting are frequently examined in these investigations.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this, having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined.

— Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.

Key takeaways:

• Prompt independent review helps protect the rights of those affected.
• Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital.

— Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.

Hit-and-Run Crash Statistics

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