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Memphis Photographer Reggie Pederson Killed in Police Chase Crash

other · 2026-08-17

On August 2, Reggie Pederson, a prominent photographer from Memphis, Tennessee, tragically lost his life in a car accident linked to a high-speed police chase. The incident occurred when Donell Alford, the suspect fleeing law enforcement, collided with Pederson's vehicle. Alford, who had previously been released on bond following a similar pursuit on July 4, was recorded by a state trooper driving at nearly 90 mph in a 40 mph zone on Airways Boulevard. After running a red light at the intersection of Airways Boulevard and Park Avenue, he crashed into Pederson's car. A six-year-old passenger in Alford's vehicle sustained serious injuries. The Memphis photography community mourned Pederson, with friends like Joel Rose and David Johnson praising his commitment to capturing the essence of the city. Alford is currently in the hospital's prison ward, with bail set at $250,000.

Key facts

  • Reggie Pederson, a Memphis photographer, was killed on August 2 in a car crash caused by a high-speed police chase.
  • The suspect, Donell Alford, was fleeing police and ran a red light, crashing into Pederson's car.
  • Alford was out on bond from a July 4 police chase and had been arrested for vehicle theft.
  • The crash occurred at Airways Boulevard and Park Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee.
  • A six-year-old child in Alford's car suffered a traumatic head injury.
  • Alford was driving nearly 90 mph in a 40 mph zone.
  • Tributes from photographer friends Joel Rose and David Johnson praised Pederson's passion for photography and Memphis.
  • Alford is in the prison ward at the hospital with bail set at $250,000.

Entities

Artists

  • Reggie Pederson
  • Joel Rose
  • David Johnson

Institutions

  • Action 5 News

Locations

  • Memphis
  • Tennessee
  • Airways Boulevard
  • Park Avenue
  • Ketchum Road

Sources