HeartBreaking — Community Devastated After Fatal Hit-and-Run Claims Life of 42-Year-Old Timothy Travis on I-70 East at Salisbury

HeartBreaking  — Community Devastated After Fatal Hit-and-Run Claims Life of 42-Year-Old Timothy Travis on I-70 East at Salisbury

St. Louis, MO – June 18, 2025 — A wave of sorrow has swept across the St. Louis community following a tragic hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of 42-year-old Timothy Travis on the morning of Wednesday, June 18. The collision occurred along the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the Salisbury Street exit—an incident that authorities are describing as both heartbreaking and avoidable.

The fatal crash, which happened during the early morning commute, has left a grieving family in shock and a city demanding justice. The victim, identified by loved ones as Timothy Travis, was pronounced dead at the scene. Just days away from his 43rd birthday, Timothy’s life was abruptly and senselessly cut short. He had plans to celebrate the milestone with his children and close family on Monday, June 23—a moment that will now be marked by sorrow instead of joy.

A Life Taken Too Soon

Timothy Travis was more than just a name in a police report. He was a father, a son, a brother, and a friend whose presence left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Born and raised in North St. Louis, Timothy was known for his generous heart, hard-working nature, and his deep love for his family—especially his three children, who now face a future without their beloved dad.

“He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back,” said his sister, Renita Travis. “He was there for everyone. Always smiling, always cracking jokes, always showing up when you needed him.”

Friends and family describe him as a “protector,” someone who quietly carried the weight of others’ burdens, who worked tirelessly to keep his family afloat, and who never missed a chance to help a neighbor or a friend in need. His sudden death has left a deep void in the hearts of many—and a community still trying to comprehend the senselessness of the act that stole him away.

The Incident

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to reports of a pedestrian down in the roadway near the I-70 eastbound on-ramp at Salisbury around 5:45 a.m. Upon arrival, emergency responders located Timothy Travis lying unresponsive on the shoulder of the highway. He had suffered extensive injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The vehicle involved in the collision did not stop, and authorities believe the driver fled the area immediately following the impact. Witnesses in the area have provided limited descriptions, and investigators are now appealing to the public for any information that might lead to the identification of the driver or the vehicle involved.

The department’s Accident Reconstruction Unit is leading the ongoing investigation. They are reviewing traffic camera footage, dash cam recordings, and nearby business surveillance in hopes of finding leads.

A Community’s Call for Justice

As the investigation continues, frustration and heartbreak are building among community members who are pleading for the driver to come forward or be held accountable.

“This is not just a traffic case. This is a father, a brother, someone’s child who was left on the side of the road like they didn’t matter,” said community advocate Marcus Redmond. “We need answers. We need justice for Timothy and his family.”

Flyers with Timothy’s photo and birthday are being distributed throughout the city, alongside a plea for witnesses to come forward. The family is urging anyone who may have been driving on I-70 East between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. that morning to check their dash cams or recall anything unusual.

A $10,000 reward is currently being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

Mourning and Remembrance

The loss of Timothy Travis is being felt far beyond his immediate family. Vigils are being organized near the scene of the crash and in his home neighborhood in North St. Louis. Candles, balloons, and handwritten notes of love and loss have been placed near the Salisbury ramp, where the community is coming together to both grieve and honor his life.

“He had plans. He had hope. He was so close to his birthday,” said his niece, Tiana. “He didn’t deserve this. Nobody does.”

In the coming days, the family plans to host a memorial service to honor Timothy’s life. Details will be shared on social media and through community bulletins as arrangements are finalized. Friends and supporters are being asked to wear blue—Timothy’s favorite color—as a sign of unity and remembrance.

How to Help

In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family with funeral expenses and provide support for Timothy’s children as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Community members are encouraged to donate, share the fundraiser, and continue circulating information about the hit-and-run in hopes of generating leads.

Anyone with tips or information about the incident is urged to contact the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Unit or call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS. All tips can remain anonymous.

As a city mourns the tragic death of Timothy Travis, his family and friends are left with cherished memories—and a painful reminder of how fragile life can be. What they seek now is not only justice but peace, closure, and a commitment from the public to ensure that no other family must suffer this kind of senseless loss.

Rest in power, Timothy. You are loved, you are missed, and you will not be forgotten.

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