Hephzibah, GA (May 13, 2025) – Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision that claimed the life of a pedestrian Monday afternoon in Hephzibah. The tragic incident occurred around 2 p.m. at the intersection of Windsor Spring Rd and Cross Creek Rd, where deputies responded to reports of a hit-and-run.
Authorities discovered a male pedestrian lying in the roadway upon arrival. He was later identified as 24-year-old Taveon Wright by the Richmond County Coroner’s Office. Wright was crossing Windsor Spring Rd near Sparkle Car Wash when a vehicle traveling southbound fatally struck him. He was pronounced dead at 2:45 p.m.
The suspected driver, 45-year-old Shaquita Dawson, fled the scene and allegedly parked her vehicle at Richmond County Fire Department Station 18 before attempting to escape on foot. Deputies quickly located and apprehended Dawson, who has since been taken into custody and booked at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
The case remains under active investigation as officials continue reviewing all evidence surrounding the fatal crash. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Taveon Wright during this difficult time.
Pedestrian Fatalities in Georgia: Hit-and-Run Crashes Raise Alarm
Fatal pedestrian incidents like the one that occurred on Windsor Spring Rd spotlight a growing concern throughout Georgia: hit-and-run crashes involving those on foot are becoming alarmingly frequent. According to data from the Georgia Department of Transportation, pedestrian deaths now account for nearly 20% of all traffic fatalities across the state—a number that has steadily increased in recent years.
Urban and suburban corridors such as those in Hephzibah are especially prone to pedestrian danger due to a combination of high vehicle speeds, limited crosswalk visibility, and insufficient lighting. Windsor Spring Rd, which intersects residential and commercial zones, has been the site of multiple accidents in the past, and Monday’s incident only heightens the call for enhanced safety measures.
Victims’ families often struggle with the legal aftermath of such crashes, especially when the responsible driver flees the scene. Hit-and-run cases can complicate the path to justice and compensation, requiring law enforcement to rely on surveillance footage, witness testimony, and quick response coordination to track down suspects.
In Georgia, leaving the scene of a crash involving serious injury or death is considered a felony. Convictions can result in significant prison time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Beyond the legal consequences, these cases often leave emotional scars for the community, especially when the victim is a young adult like Taveon Wright.
For families navigating the aftermath of such tragedies, understanding their rights is essential. Legal guidance can support efforts to seek compensation for wrongful death, cover funeral costs, and demand accountability from those responsible.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.
