Phoenix, AZ (May 20, 2026) – Police are searching for two drivers involved in a hit-and-run crash that left a pedestrian dead late Tuesday night, May 19, in west Phoenix. The collision happened around 10 p.m. near 39th Avenue and McDowell Road.
According to investigators, a woman was walking westbound along McDowell Road in the curb lane when she was struck by a possible tan SUV traveling in the same direction. She was then hit again by a second vehicle described as a possible white SUV, also heading westbound.
Officers found the woman unresponsive in the roadway. She was taken to a hospital by the Phoenix Fire Department, where she later died. Her identity has not been released.
Police said neither driver involved remained at the crash site. Further details about the vehicles have not been confirmed as investigators continue searching for those responsible. We extend our condolences to the woman’s loved ones.
What Investigators Review in Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Cases
In hit-and-run pedestrian cases, investigators often work to identify vehicles using physical evidence, roadway markings, and nearby surveillance footage. Paint transfer, debris patterns, and impact points can help narrow down the type of vehicles involved.
Time of day and lighting conditions are also reviewed, especially in nighttime crashes where visibility may be limited for both drivers and pedestrians. Witness statements and traffic camera footage can provide key details about vehicle direction and timing.
Investigators also examine whether the pedestrian was visible within the travel lane and how quickly multiple impacts occurred. These combined findings help build a clearer picture of how the incident unfolded and support efforts to locate the drivers involved.
