Fatal Hit-and-Run in Wilmington Leaves Woman Dead; Driver Sought

A fatal hit-and-run incident in Wilmington, Delaware, on December 28, 2023, has left a 40-year-old woman dead and authorities searching for the driver involved. The Delaware State Police reported that troopers were dispatched around 21:15 local time to East Lea Boulevard, near Colony Boulevard, following reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.

Preliminary investigations indicate that an unidentified vehicle was traveling along East Lea Boulevard when it hit the woman, who was in the roadway at the time. Following the collision, the vehicle fled the scene without stopping. The precise circumstances surrounding the crash, including the vehicle’s direction and any contributing factors, are still under investigation.

The victim, a resident of Dallas, Texas, was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Authorities have not released her identity, pending notification of her family.

Investigation Underway

In the aftermath of the incident, East Lea Boulevard was closed for approximately two hours as investigators worked to process the scene and clear the area. As of now, no descriptions of the suspect or the vehicle involved have been provided.

The Delaware State Police are appealing to the public for assistance. They ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or who possesses surveillance or dashcam footage, to reach out to Corporal K. Oakes at (302) 365-8483. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Police reiterated that any criminal allegations in connection with this case are still under investigation. Every suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to gather more information about the incident. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any relevant details that may assist in apprehending the driver responsible for this tragic event.