Hartford, CT (June 29, 2026) – A 31-year-old woman died after a hit-and-run crash early on Saturday morning, June 27, on Ledyard St in Hartford. Emergency units were called to the roadway around 3:45 a.m. after receiving a report of a pedestrian being struck.
Police said Keyshia M. Ortiz-Benitez, of Hartford, was found with life-threatening injuries. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later died. According to detectives, the vehicle involved continued southbound after the collision, and no information about the driver had been released. The hit-and-run remains under investigation as detectives work to identify the vehicle and driver involved.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Keyshia M. Ortiz-Benitez during this difficult time.
What Information Is Gathered During a Fatal Hit-and-Run Investigation?
Fatal hit-and-run cases usually require investigators to piece together evidence from several different sources. Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and residential security systems can help identify the vehicle’s direction of travel and may capture details such as its make, model, or color. Physical evidence left behind, including vehicle fragments or tire marks, can also provide valuable clues.
Witness statements are another key part of the process. Nearby people may have seen the vehicle before or after the collision or noticed details that cameras did not capture. Medical findings, roadway lighting, weather, and visibility are also reviewed to help establish how the collision occurred. As additional evidence is examined, investigators may gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the fatal hit-and-run.
