Donna Godly Killed in Cleveland Pedestrian Accident
Aniyah Cheyenne Blair faces aggravated vehicular homicide charges after fleeing the fatal crash on Lee Road
Donna Godly, 74, was killed in a pedestrian accident on Lee Road at the Miles Avenue intersection in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, early Sunday, April 19, according to police.
Aniyah Cheyenne Blair, 22, of Maple Heights, was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and failing to stop after an accident that caused a death. She was arraigned Monday in Cleveland Municipal Court and issued a $20,000 bond.
A northbound Jeep Grand Cherokee was speeding when it ran a red light and struck the woman, who was crossing outside the crosswalk. The SUV then veered off the road, crashed into a concrete staircase and a metal railing, and lost a tire before the driver fled the scene.
Paramedics responded to the crash site, where Godly was pronounced dead.
Officers later located the heavily damaged Jeep at another location and took Blair into custody. The case has been bound over to a grand jury for possible indictment.
Why did the Jeep flee the scene on Lee Road?
While police have apprehended the suspected driver, investigators are still piecing together the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal hit-and-run. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "Nobody thinks a routine trip to the store will end in a tragedy that brings immense grief to families. Fatalities at intersections often occur because of a stale green light, where drivers accelerate too quickly to beat the yellow."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024, with more than 75% of those death occurring after dark.
What are the legal options for Godly's family?
The family of the victim now faces the sudden emotional and financial toll of a fatal collision involving criminal charges. In cases involving fleeing drivers, parallel civil and criminal proceedings often unfold simultaneously.
"We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital," said National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, of Counsel at Counsel at Bond Legal. "A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident."
Ohio wrongful death statute
Under Ohio Rev. Code § 2125.01, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Ohio applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of services and companionship, funeral expenses, and the estate's losses.