Background: News footage of the area of Phoenix, Ariz., where Hannah Henry was killed on Feb. 8 (KPHO). Inset (left): Eric Hodge (Maricopa County Sheriff”s Office). Inset (right): Hannah Henry (Sun Devil Athletics).
An Arizona resident, who informed a judge that he “fell asleep” while operating a vehicle, leading to a tragic hit-and-run accident, was allegedly under the influence of fentanyl during the incident.
Eric Hodge, 46, is currently detained at the Maricopa County Jail with a $750,000 cash bond. His initial court appearance occurred on Monday, where he faced charges including reckless manslaughter related to the demise of 26-year-old Hannah Henry. According to documents from the local CBS station KPHO, the accident took place near Central Avenue and Elwood Street in Phoenix. Hodge allegedly drove into the bike lane, hitting Henry from the rear with his vehicle and subsequently continuing on his way.
Authorities report that Hodge confessed to consuming fentanyl shortly before the accident and admitted to purchasing additional drugs afterwards.
Traffic cameras captured footage of the van Hodge was driving, leading police to track it to a particular address. The registered van owner cooperated with police, confirming Hodge was behind the wheel at the time. When officers visited the residence, Hodge reportedly attempted to evade them by exiting through the back door, but was swiftly apprehended for questioning.
Hodge confessed to using fentanyl earlier that day, noting that the drug often causes him to “pass out randomly and wake up in different places.” He remembered noticing a “girl on a 10-speed bicycle” while driving but believed he had collided with a fire hydrant. Following this supposed collision, he acquired $100 worth of fentanyl.
Police discovered drug paraphernalia in Hodge’s possession upon his arrest.
KPHO reported that Henry, a former triathlete, was found by first responders in critical condition with serious injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
During his court appearance, Hodge told the judge, “I didn’t know that I hit anybody. I fell asleep, and when I woke up, I was off the road a little bit.”
State prosecutor Stephen Garcia called Hodge a “danger to the community.” The judge seemed to agree, and set Hodge’s bail at $750,000 cash.
Hodge was charged with reckless manslaughter, leaving the scene of a deadly crash, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of narcotic drugs. His next court date was scheduled for Feb. 13.
