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PORTSMOUTH, Portsmouth County, Va., Oct. 9, 2026 — A man died after a hit-and-run crash struck him late ON Wednesday night, October 7, at Francis St and Victory Blvd in Portsmouth, according to the Portsmouth Police Department. The driver did not stay at the scene.
Officers were called to the intersection around 10:59 p.m. and found an adult male with critical injuries. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
Investigators have not released a description of the vehicle involved or identified a suspect. The Portsmouth Police Department said the hit-and-run remains under investigation.
No further details about the circumstances of the crash have been made public.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Where Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crashes Tend to Happen
Hit-and-run crashes involving pedestrians cluster at wide, high-speed arterial roads rather than quiet residential streets. Multi-lane corridors with few marked crossings force people to travel farther in traffic, and drivers moving at higher speeds have less time to see someone in the roadway. Intersections like these, where a secondary road meets a major boulevard, often lack the signal timing or lighting that would give both driver and pedestrian a clear warning.
Nighttime adds another layer. Streetlights spaced for vehicle traffic do not always illuminate the full width of a crosswalk, and a driver who strikes someone in low visibility may not immediately realize what happened or may flee in panic rather than stop. Areas with limited foot traffic also see fewer witnesses, which can slow the identification of a vehicle or driver afterward.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. That share reflects how much of the country's roadway design still treats walking as an afterthought on roads built primarily for cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pedestrian crashes more common at night?
Yes. Reduced visibility, higher vehicle speeds on open roads, and lower driver expectations of pedestrians all contribute to a higher share of serious and fatal pedestrian crashes occurring after dark.
What should a pedestrian do immediately after being hit by a car?
If possible, move to safety, call 911, and avoid moving an injured area unless there is immediate danger. Getting a license plate or vehicle description, if safe to do so, can help police later, especially in hit-and-run cases.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In Virginia, pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally have the right of way, but both drivers and pedestrians have a duty to exercise reasonable care, particularly where visibility is limited.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash in Portsmouth, VA
Anyone who witnesses a hit-and-run should call 911 right away and give dispatchers as much detail as possible about the vehicle, direction of travel, and any identifying features. Even a partial plate number or a distinct color and body style can help investigators.
If you or someone nearby is injured, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries from being struck by a vehicle do not show symptoms right away. Filing a police report and keeping any documentation from first responders or hospital visits will matter if the investigation identifies a driver.
Residents with information about this crash are encouraged to contact the Portsmouth Police Department.
