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PHOENIX, Maricopa County, Ariz., Sept. 17, 2026 — A woman died after a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian on Wednesday, September 16, near 28th Street and Van Buren Street in Phoenix, according to authorities.
Police said the woman was crossing Van Buren Street in a crosswalk when she was struck by a vehicle, reportedly a dark-colored truck traveling eastbound. They identified the victim as 40-year-old Jennifer Knephfler.
The driver did not stop and left the scene, according to police. Knephfler was taken to a hospital, where she later died, authorities said.
The crash remains under investigation. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Phoenix Police or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Who Pedestrian Crashes Put at the Greatest Risk
Pedestrians struck after dark face a different set of odds than those hit in daylight. Drivers have less time to see someone stepping off a curb, and vehicles moving at similar speeds cause more severe injuries when visibility is poor. Crosswalks help, but they only work if a driver has enough time to register that a person is there.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. Older adults and people walking in low-light conditions consistently make up a large share of that toll, in part because reaction time, both a driver's and a pedestrian's, matters more as visibility drops.
Hit-and-run cases add another layer of risk. When a driver leaves the scene, injured pedestrians can lose critical minutes before anyone calls for help, and investigators lose the chance to question a driver who might otherwise have stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a pedestrian do immediately after being hit by a car?
Call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor. Try not to move if you're seriously hurt, and ask any witnesses to stay until police arrive so they can give a statement.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in a marked crosswalk, but drivers must yield even if the pedestrian has not yet technically entered the roadway.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian crashes?
Head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries are common, since a pedestrian has no protection from the impact. Severity usually depends on vehicle speed and whether the person was thrown or dragged.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Phoenix, AZ
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately and stay at the scene if it's safe to do so. Get checked by a medical professional even if you feel fine, since some injuries take hours to show symptoms. If you saw the vehicle involved, note details like color, direction of travel, or any partial plate information and share them with responding officers. Phoenix police and Silent Witness both take tips from the public, and even small details can help investigators identify a driver who left the scene.
