City of Menifee to Name Street in Memory of Local Soldier

An Army Staff Sergeant killed in Afghanistan will be remembered Saturday when the City of Menifee partners with developer KB Home in naming a street after him. The public is invited to attend.

In a 10 a.m. dedication ceremony, a street in the new Silvercreek development of Audie Murphy Ranch will be named Sergeant Kelly Drive in honor of Sergeant Nigel Kelly, whose family moved to Menifee when he was 14. The street branches off from Newport Road between Berea Road and Goetz Road, at the entrance to a model home area of the new housing development on the north side of Newport.

Sgt. Kelly's family settled in Menifee after several moves, including a six-year stint in Saudi Arabia, because of his father's career. Kelly played basketball at Temescal Canyon High in Lake Elsinore for four years before joining the U.S. Army at age 18. His family still lives in Menifee.

Kelly was killed at age 26 on June 25, 2011 when his unit came under attack in a rugged area of eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province. He was twice awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, one of the Army's highest honors.

Kelly's parents, Sonia and Kevin Kelly, will attend along with other family members, Menifee Mayor Scott Mann and KB Home representatives. A reception in one of the new model homes will follow the ceremony.