Lejla Hadzikadunic and Demarion Hendricks Killed in Crash [St. Louis, MO]

Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Interstate 55 in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, MO (December 12, 2025) — A tragic crash on Interstate 55 claimed two lives late Friday night after a pair of Good Samaritans were struck while attempting to change a flat tire.

According to authorities, the collision occurred just before midnight near the entrance ramp to northbound I-55 from the 4500 block of Broadway Street.

Officials report that a woman, Lejla Hadzikadunic, driving a Kia had pulled over due to a flat tire, and a man was assisting her when the crash happened. Both individuals were outside the vehicle on the roadside when a Dodge Ram entered the on-ramp to I-55 northbound.

The driver of the Dodge told investigators he saw the disabled Kia in the lane but did not notice the people standing near it until it was too late. The truck struck both individuals and then collided with a guardrail before coming to a stop.

Emergency crews pronounced the woman, later identified as 23-year-old Lejla Hadzikadunic dead at the scene. The man was rushed to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. He was later identified as 31-year-old Demarion Hendricks. The driver of the Dodge sustained minor injuries and was also taken to the hospital.

He is reportedly cooperating fully with the investigation.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal St. Louis crash.

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Sweet Lawyers extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Lejla Hadzikadunic and Demarion Hendricks. May the bereaved find solace and strength in this extremely trying time.

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Lost a Loved One in a Roadside Crash? Let Sweet Lawyers Help You Seek Justice

The loss of life in any traffic accident is heartbreaking, but when two individuals are killed while simply trying to change a tire on the side of the road, the tragedy becomes even more devastating.

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