Woman, dog killed in hit-and-run crash in Orange County, FHP says

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A woman and her dog were killed Friday morning in a hit-and-run crash in Orange County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The fatal wreck was reported at 6:05 a.m. on John Young Parkway near Hunter’s Creek Boulevard, south of State Road 417.

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According to the FHP, a witness said a vehicle struck the woman, who was walking her dog, and the driver didn’t stop.

The woman and dog were found dead in the northbound lanes of John Young Parkway, the FHP said. She was walking in the crosswalk when she was struck, according to the crash report.

Troopers were initially told by a witness a white sedan hit the victim but after reviewing surveillance video, they now say she was actually struck by a dark-colored vehicle first and then either “barely” hit or not hit at all by the white sedan, according to the report. A white bumper was left at the scene of the crash Friday morning.

Troopers say they are still attempting to identify the make and model of the vehicle that hit the victim.

The crash remains under investigation and troopers are seeking information about the dark-colored vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to call the FHP at 407-737-2213 or Crimeline.

The Hunter’s Creek Community Association posted a statement in response to the crash.

“News of a fatal hit-and-run accident at John Young Parkway and Hunter’s Creek Boulevard early this morning is tragic; the Association sends its condolences to the victim’s family,” the statement read. “Please avoid this area, as the northbound lane is closed while law enforcement officers complete their work. Countless lives can be impacted with just a few seconds of carelessness. Take a moment to reflect on this incident and to commit to driving more carefully. If you are not aware of Florida traffic laws, make it a priority to educate yourself.”

Residents who live near the area where the crash took place say they’re still in shock from the tragic incident.

“I feel bad for the entire family you know, for everybody involved and the big loss that, that is going to take on somebody’s family,” said Ken Meindl.

Some are calling for accountability.

“I don’t know how you could live with yourself at night knowing that you hit someone… that would haunt me,” said Jaz Nunez.

Nunez said safety is everyone’s responsibility and this should serve as a reminder to drivers to use more caution behind the wheel.

“You need to be a it more proactive and reactive to what is around you because there are many families walking around and I know things are getting better with the pandemic, but that doesn’t change the fact we need to be aware of our surroundings,” Nunez said.

The FHP said this is the 11th fatal hit-and-run crash in Orange County so far this year, which is more than three times the number of similar incidents recorded in the county this time last year.