One dead after vehicle strikes pedestrian on Manchester Expressway in Columbus

A pedestrian died Saturday after being struck by a vehicle on Manchester Expressway near JR Allen Parkway in Columbus, according to Columbus Police Department public information officer Brittany Santiago.

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the victim as Jonathan Demetrius Powell, 48. Powell was pronounced dead at 8:48 p.m. Saturday at a local hospital, according to Bryan.

The body will be sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation medical examiner in Decatur for an autopsy, Bryan said.

Columbus Police Department public information officer Brittany Santiago said officers responded to the accident around 8:09 p.m. Saturday.

Santiago said CPD’s Motor Squad is investigating the accident.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify the location of the fatal crash. Earlier information provided by the Muscogee County Coroner’s Office was incorrect.

This story was originally published December 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM.

Kelby Hutchison

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Kelby Hutchison is the breaking news reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Kelby grew up frequently visiting Columbus to eat at Country’s BBQ in the old Greyhound bus station and at Clearview BBQ on River Road. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in criminal justice and a M.A. in journalism. During his studies, Kelby specialized in community journalism.