Phoenix, AZ (March 21, 2026) – A 75-year-old woman died after a hit-and-run crash. The incident was reported just before noon on Friday, March 20, near the Phoenix intersection of 43rd Avenue and Orangewood Avenue.
Emergency units responded to the scene and found the woman, identified as Maria Leal, in critical condition. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Preliminary reports indicate Leal was attempting to enter the passenger side of a parked vehicle along the north side of the road. One vehicle slowed to allow space, but another vehicle attempted to pass between cars and struck her before fleeing the scene.
Authorities have not yet located the driver involved. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Hit-and-Run Crashes Can Occur in Everyday Situations
Hit-and-run crashes can happen in situations where people may not expect danger, such as entering or exiting a parked vehicle. Drivers attempting to pass stopped traffic may not anticipate pedestrians nearby, increasing the risk of a collision.
Passing between vehicles can reduce visibility and limit reaction time. When a driver leaves the scene, it can delay accountability and make it harder to gather immediate information about what happened.
Road awareness and cautious driving in areas with parked cars can help reduce these incidents. Even at lower speeds, a vehicle striking a person can lead to severe or fatal injuries, especially when the person is unprotected.
