Flames Lighter King died following a serious pedestrian crash in Akron’s Highland Square on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
According to the information provided, the incident happened near West Market Street and South Highland Avenue.
Police said a red Chrysler 300 was traveling westbound on West Market Street at a high rate of speed when it struck Flames Lighter King as he crossed the roadway.
The vehicle continued after the initial collision and struck another vehicle before eventually hitting two parked cars.
The Akron Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Unit investigated the crash and later filed multiple charges against 45-year-old Monique Martin-Lateef.
The charges reportedly include aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault, reckless operation, speeding, an open-container violation, OVI refusal and a seat-belt violation.
Authorities also obtained a search warrant for blood and urine samples from Martin-Lateef. The samples were submitted to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory, with testing results still pending.
Martin-Lateef reportedly suffered injuries in the crash and remains hospitalized. She has not been taken into custody while receiving medical treatment.
Akron police also addressed information circulating online about Martin-Lateef's employment. Authorities said she has never been an employee of the City of Akron.
The investigation and legal proceedings are expected to continue as authorities review the evidence and await laboratory results.
For those who knew Flames Lighter King, the crash represents the sudden loss of a life and the lasting impact of a tragedy in the Highland Square community.
