Driver guilty of causing death of 29-year-old man in Wolverhampton hit-and-run
Victim Ryan Griffiths was hit on Burleigh Road by a speeding vehicle in August 2024
A driver has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving after a hit-and-run collision in Wolverhampton resulted in the death of 29-year-old Ryan Griffiths last year.
Ryan was struck by a dark-coloured VW Golf while walking on Burleigh Road shortly after 9pm on 21st August 2024. The vehicle did not remain at the scene. Despite being rushed to hospital, Ryan tragically died from his injuries two days later.
Following an immediate police investigation, detectives identified Aden Wright, 27, of Griffiths Drive, Wolverhampton, as the suspected driver of the vehicle. A manhunt to locate Wright was launched, and he was arrested within a week.
The investigation revealed Wright was in the area that night linked to the purchase of drugs. Police established that Wright attempted to use others in the car to buy drugs with counterfeit money. After the fake money was discovered by an individual close to the scene, Wright fled the area at high speed and hit Ryan as he was walking.
After colliding with Ryan, Wright briefly stopped to collect a passenger from the area but left the scene despite seeing Ryan lying in the road.
In a bid to evade justice, Wright took calculated steps following the collision, including taking the car off the road, transferring its ownership to another person, and attempting to frame that individual as the driver at the time of the incident.
Despite this, forensic evidence and police investigative work confirmed Wright was driving the car when it hit Ryan. Wright was initially charged with murder, but after deliberations with the Crown Prosecution Service, this was reduced to causing death by dangerous driving.
On 31st October 2025, Wright was found guilty following his trial at Birmingham Crown Court. He will be sentenced at a later date.
Investigation and family tribute
Detective Sergeant Jeanette Roberts of West Midlands Police said:
“Securing justice for Ryan and his family has been at the forefront of all of our minds throughout this investigation.
“Wright’s callous actions that night, including failing to stop at the scene or admit to what he did, have put them through unimaginable pain.
“A thorough investigation meant that he was brought to justice, and it is right that he is now facing prison."
Ryan’s family, who have been supported by specialist officers, paid tribute to him following his death:
“Ryan was a loving and devoted son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew and cousin.
“He had a heart of gold and a lot of loving friends.
“Everyone is devastated by his sad loss and he will be sadly missed.”
Wright is due to be sentenced at a later date.