On September 20, 2025, the Indianapolis community lost Aaron Deandre Radford, a 31-year-old Herron High School graduate, youth coach, and mentor. Aaron’s life was tragically cut short while riding in a Lyft after a night out downtown, when the SUV he was a passenger in was struck by a street-racing drunk driver.

The Crash

Just after 3:00 a.m., Aaron was riding in a black 2016 GMC Yukon Lyft through downtown Indianapolis when it was struck at high speed near East Ohio and North East Street.

Police say the other vehicle, a Dodge Charger driven by 26-year-old Brayan Camacho Calleja, known as rapper El Moreno Mexicano, was traveling at 94 mph in a 25 mph zone. The impact was so violent it pushed the Yukon into a utility pole and ejected Aaron from the vehicle. He was rushed to Methodist Hospital but did not survive his injuries.

The Lyft driver survived with broken ribs. Calleja’s own car hit a building, but he was able to walk away.

The Driver

Authorities say Calleja’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.108, above Indiana’s legal limit of 0.08. Court documents also revealed he had never obtained a driver’s license and carried only a Mexican Consulate card for identification.

Calleja now faces multiple felony charges, including:

• Causing death while operating a vehicle while intoxicated
• Causing death with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more
• Reckless homicide
• Operating a motor vehicle without ever obtaining a license
• Multiple counts of criminal recklessness

If convicted, he could face 15+ years in prison. He remains held at Marion County Jail under a federal detainer, meaning even with bond reduction requests, release is not guaranteed.

Aaron’s Legacy

Aaron Radford’s story is not only about how he died, but how he lived.

• He was remembered as a beloved son, brother, friend, coach, and mentor.
• A graduate of Herron High School and a Founders’ Award recipient, he went on to earn a degree in Sports Management from Vincennes University.
• Aaron coached youth basketball and poured into the lives of young people, leaving behind a lasting impact on families and the community.
• His legacy also includes heroism: he once saved a man’s life by performing the Heimlich maneuver during a chance encounter in traffic, a moment that went viral on Facebook and earned him gratitude from the man and his family.

Friends, loved ones, and neighbors gathered in downtown Indianapolis the weekend after his passing, releasing balloons and honoring his memory.

A Preventable Loss

Aaron Radford chose responsibility that night. He called a Lyft to get home safely. But his life was stolen by someone who chose recklessness drinking, speeding, and street racing without ever having a license.

This tragedy is preventable. It is also a reminder: drunk driving destroys lives.

Honoring Aaron

As the legal process moves forward, Aaron’s family and community continue to call for accountability and justice. They want Aaron to be remembered not for the way he died, but for the love, joy, and leadership he gave during his 31 years of life.

To honor Aaron:

• Drive sober.
• Encourage others not to drive under the influence.
• Support youth, families, and community in the same way Aaron did.
• Encourage lawmakers, courts and prosecutors to deny bonds in drunk driving cases and impose harsher penalties.

Aaron Radford’s life was priceless. His story deserves to be remembered, and his impact will continue to inspire.