It is with deep sorrow that we report the tragic passing of 61-year-old Phillip Adams and the critical injury of 77-year-old Linda Tench in a hit-and-run incident that took place on April 21, 2025, in Gainesville, Georgia. The collision, which occurred on Academy Street, has left the community in shock and mourning as they try to come to terms with the heartbreaking loss of one life and the life-threatening injuries sustained by another.
The incident unfolded around 11:00 a.m., when Phillip Adams and Linda Tench were crossing the street in a designated crosswalk. Linda, at 77 years old, was pushing Phillip, a 61-year-old man, in a wheelchair when a vehicle failed to yield the right of way, as required by law, and struck both pedestrians with significant force. The impact of the collision was severe, causing both individuals to fall to the ground, severely injuring them.
Witnesses to the incident reported that the car, a silver sedan, did not slow down or attempt to stop after hitting the victims. The driver fled the scene immediately, leaving Phillip and Linda severely injured and unattended. This callous act left the community in disbelief, as many residents expressed their outrage over the incident. The hit-and-run driver, now identified as 29-year-old Janet Villanueva, continued to flee the scene, but law enforcement quickly initiated an investigation and tracked down the vehicle involved in the crash. The driver was arrested later that day, facing serious charges for the tragic event.
Phillip Adams, despite receiving immediate medical care, was pronounced dead at Northeast Georgia Medical Center shortly after arriving at the hospital. The medical team was unable to save him, and his family was left to grieve his untimely death. Linda Tench, on the other hand, sustained less severe injuries but remains in critical condition. Her family has expressed hope for her recovery, though they are coping with the trauma of witnessing such a violent event.
Phillip Adams’ family has been devastated by the loss of their loved one. He was a father, a husband, and a valued member of the Gainesville community. His passing has left a profound void in the lives of his loved ones. Linda Tench’s family is also struggling to come to terms with the situation, hoping for her full recovery while grappling with the grief of witnessing the tragedy. Their journey through the emotional and physical toll of the accident will no doubt be a challenging one.
The Gainesville Police Department moved quickly to investigate the hit-and-run, and by late afternoon, they identified the driver as Janet Villanueva, a 29-year-old woman from Gainesville. Authorities were able to connect Villanueva to the vehicle through witness testimony and surveillance footage. She was arrested and charged with multiple serious offenses, including first-degree vehicular homicide, felony hit-and-run, failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and failure to exercise due regard for the safety of others.
As investigators continue to piece together the details of the incident, many in the Gainesville community are grappling with the question of why Villanueva fled the scene after striking two vulnerable individuals. Police have yet to release any details regarding whether Villanueva was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash, but they have confirmed that she will face significant charges if convicted. The community is calling for accountability and justice in the aftermath of this heart-wrenching act of negligence.
The tragic loss of Phillip Adams has prompted widespread calls for increased pedestrian safety measures in Gainesville. The city, known for its quiet and close-knit nature, is now grappling with the reality of a violent act that has left residents shaken. Local leaders have called for more stringent laws and stronger enforcement to protect pedestrians from such incidents. There is also a growing demand for improved infrastructure around crosswalks, including better signage, lighting, and visibility to reduce the likelihood of accidents like this one.
Community members have expressed their outrage and grief online, with many sharing memories of Phillip and their concerns for Linda’s recovery. Local residents have come together to support the victims’ families, organizing memorials and events to honor their memory and raise awareness about the importance of pedestrian safety. Many are calling for increased penalties for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians, as well as better education about pedestrian rights and responsibilities for both drivers and pedestrians alike.
This incident is not the first hit-and-run or pedestrian accident to occur in Gainesville, but it is undoubtedly one of the most tragic and devastating. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether this tragedy will result in meaningful changes to local laws and infrastructure aimed at protecting pedestrians. Many in the community are hopeful that their voices will be heard and that steps will be taken to ensure that something like this never happens again.
The case against Janet Villanueva will likely remain a focal point of local discussions in the coming months. The legal consequences she faces are severe, with charges that could result in significant prison time if she is convicted. Many in the community are calling for justice to be served in the aftermath of this senseless loss of life.
For the families of the victims, the road ahead will be long and painful. The trauma of losing a loved one in such a violent and public manner is not something that can be easily processed. For Linda Tench, the emotional scars of witnessing such an event will require time and support to heal. Her family remains hopeful for her recovery but is also deeply affected by the impact of this tragic day.
As the Gainesville community comes together to support the victims’ families and demand change, it is clear that the loss of Phillip Adams will be felt for years to come. His family, friends, and the entire community will forever remember him as a kind, loving man who was taken far too soon. The shock of this event will not soon fade, but the collective hope for justice and change continues to burn brightly.
In the coming days, updates will be provided as more details are revealed, and the legal proceedings move forward. For now, the Gainesville community remains united in mourning and continues to support the families affected by this heartbreaking incident.
