MEMPHIS, TN — October 15, 2026 Renisha Thompson died Thursday after a vehicle involved in a police pursuit crashed into multiple vehicles along South Third Street in South Memphis, according to authorities.
Members of the Memphis Safe Task Force reportedly attempted to stop a Cadillac after observing the driver make several U-turns. A state trooper then tried to pull the vehicle over, but the driver allegedly refused to stop and sped away along South Third Street.
During the pursuit, the Cadillac driver lost control and collided with four other vehicles before the car left the roadway. Thompson, who was riding as a passenger, was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people suffered injuries in the collision.
According to the report, Thompson had been traveling to pick up groceries when the crash occurred.
The 32-year-old driver was arrested and faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, fleeing law enforcement, possession of controlled substances and speeding. The circumstances surrounding the pursuit and collision remain under investigation.
