Ogden Hit-and-Run: Victim and Suspect Identified

A recent hit-and-run incident at a car wash in Ogden, Utah, has left the community in shock. The victim, identified as 63-year-old Stirling Kelso, tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle. According to reports, the collision occurred on a Wednesday night while Kelso was cleaning the parking lot of a car wash located at 7th and Washington Blvd.

Authorities have arrested 21-year-old Christian Hernandez Palma, who is allegedly responsible for the fatal crash. police say he fled the scene immediately after hitting Kelso, prompting an investigation that led to his capture. Court documents reveal that Hernandez Palma is facing serious charges, including felony hit and run, driving without a license, and failure to maintain a proper lookout.

Surveillance footage played a crucial role in identifying the suspect’s vehicle, a grey 2010 Lexus, which showed damage consistent with a pedestrian collision. Witnesses reported seeing a truck follow the Lexus after the accident, leading to a conversation with Hernandez Palma. Disturbingly, he later confessed to police that he washed the car right after the incident, claiming he was scared and didn’t know what to do.

Kelso was remembered fondly by friends, including Neisha Nicholls, who described him as a kind-hearted person who would help anyone in need. She expressed her grief over the loss, warning others to be cautious in parking lots. “You don’t know who’s standing right there. You don’t know what you could do,” Nicholls said.

As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a beloved member while also grappling with the unsettling nature of this incident.