Brooksville Woman Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash While Walking on Hernando Road

A community is in mourning after a 54-year-old Brooksville woman was tragically killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash Thursday night in Hernando County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The incident underscores both the dangers faced by pedestrians on Florida’s roads and the serious consequences for drivers who flee the scene of a crash.

The fatal crash occurred on Wiscon Road, just west of Mullers Road. Troopers reported that the woman had been walking along the edge of the roadway when she was struck by a westbound vehicle.

The impact was fatal, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said the driver responsible for the crash fled immediately afterward, leaving the woman without aid.

Investigators believe the suspect vehicle may have been a Ford pickup truck or SUV. As of Friday morning, law enforcement continues to search for both the driver and the vehicle involved.

Under Florida Statute § 316.027, drivers involved in crashes that cause injury or death are legally required to:

• Stop immediately at the scene of the crash,
• Render reasonable aid to the injured person, and
• Remain on-site until law enforcement has taken a report.

Leaving the scene of a deadly crash is a first-degree felony in Florida and carries serious penalties, including up to 30 years in prison and significant fines. Beyond criminal liability, fleeing the scene often increases the civil liability that a negligent driver or their insurer may face in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Sadly, pedestrian fatalities remain a serious issue in Florida. Factors that can increase the risk of these incidents include:

• Lack of sidewalks or crosswalks in rural or suburban areas like parts of Hernando County.
• Speeding or distracted driving, which reduce a driver’s ability to see and react to pedestrians.
• Poor lighting conditions, especially at night when visibility is already limited.
• Impairment from drugs or alcohol, which continues to be a factor in a significant portion of hit-and-run cases.

The location of this tragedy—on the edge of Wiscon Road—highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians walking near vehicle traffic without protective barriers.

Could the Victim’s Family Have a Wrongful Death Claim?

In addition to criminal penalties for the driver, the victim’s family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim under Florida Statute § 768.19. A wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving family members to pursue compensation for losses such as:

• Funeral and burial expenses,
• Medical bills related to the crash,
• Loss of companionship and protection,
• Emotional pain and suffering, and
• Loss of financial support if the victim contributed to the household.

Even though the driver fled the scene, families may still be able to recover compensation through:

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage under the victim’s or a family member’s auto insurance policy, or
• Claims against the at-fault driver once they are located and identified by law enforcement.

The Florida Highway Patrol is urging anyone with information about the crash, the suspect vehicle, or the driver to contact them immediately at *FHP (*347) or to reach out to Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.

Community tips are often crucial in solving hit-and-run cases, and even small details—such as damage seen on a vehicle matching the description—can help bring closure and justice to the victim’s family.

This heartbreaking tragedy in Brooksville reflects the devastating consequences of reckless driving and fleeing the scene of an accident. For the victim’s family, the road ahead will be filled with grief, unanswered questions, and the need for justice.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, our attorneys have extensive experience representing families in wrongful death claims caused by negligent and reckless drivers. We stand ready to help victims’ families pursue accountability and secure the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a hit-and-run or pedestrian accident in Florida, call our office today for a free consultation.