My name is Juanita Neely, and I am writing this with a heart full of grief and a plea for justice that no family should ever have to make.   
On May 28, 2025, my brother, Joshua Neely, took a bike ride to enjoy the sunset at the lake, and was killed in a tragic hit-and-run in Washoe Valley, Nevada. The driver, Travis Smith, struck Joshua and fled the scene, leaving him to die alone on the side of the road. Joshua was more than a victim—he was a son, a brother, a friend, a FATHER, and a human being who deserved better.   
Despite the facts surrounding this case, no manslaughter charges have been pursued. Nevada law defines vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run as punishable offenses. When someone dies due to the reckless or negligent actions of another—especially when the perpetrator flees—it is essential that the justice system responds accordingly. Accountability matters not only for my brother but to protect the lives of others on Nevada’s roads.   
This wasn’t just a momentary lapse in judgment—it was a crime. Choosing to flee the scene of a fatal crash is a deliberate act, one that deserves the full weight of the law. It sends a dangerous message when such actions are not met with appropriate charges.   
We are calling on the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office and the State of Nevada to take the following actions:   Pursue all applicable criminal charges, including manslaughter, against Travis Smith. Treat this case with the seriousness and integrity it deserves. Send a clear message that hit-and-run fatalities will not be ignored or minimized in our community.   
Joshua’s death has left a permanent hole in our lives. He deserved justice, and our family deserves answers. We are not alone—countless families have suffered the same fate due to hit-and-run drivers. It’s time Nevada stands up and acts.   
Please sign this petition and help us demand justice for Joshua Neely. Let his life be honored with action, not silence.   
Sincerely,

 Juanita Neely (Colunga)