Florida Woman Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash on U.S. 27 in Leesburg

Authorities are searching for the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian in Leesburg early Friday morning. According to the Leesburg Police Department, the crash occurred near the intersection of U.S. 27 and English Road.

What We Know About the Incident

• The crash occurred near U.S. 27 and English Road in Leesburg, Florida
• The incident happened around 12:09 a.m. on April 10, 2026
• A gray Hyundai sedan traveling northbound on U.S. 27 struck a pedestrian
• The pedestrian was identified as 40-year-old Ashleah C. Hayes
• Hayes was crossing U.S. 27 when she was hit
• She was pronounced dead at the scene
• The driver fled before officers arrived
• Police believe the vehicle involved is a Hyundai Elantra with front-end damage
• Northbound lanes of U.S. 27 were closed for approximately three hours
• The Leesburg Police Department continues to investigate

Risks and Safety Concerns

Pedestrian hit-and-run crashes are among the most devastating and preventable roadway tragedies. Pedestrians have no protection from the force of impact, and fleeing drivers often reduce a victim’s chance of survival by delaying emergency aid.

Fatal pedestrian crashes frequently occur on major roadways like U.S. 27 due to:

• High vehicle speeds
• Poor nighttime visibility
• Limited pedestrian crossings
• Inadequate lighting
• Driver distraction or impairment

Legal Options and Potential Liability

Victims’ families may have legal remedies even if the at-fault driver is not immediately identified.

Potential liable parties may include:

• Hit-and-run driver: Once identified, the fleeing driver may be held civilly and criminally liable.
• Vehicle owner: Under Florida law, the owner of the vehicle may also be responsible depending on the circumstances.
• Government entities: If dangerous roadway design, inadequate lighting, missing crosswalks, or poor pedestrian infrastructure contributed to the crash, the responsible agency may share liability.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If the driver is not identified, available UM coverage may provide compensation in certain cases.
• Third parties: Additional parties may share liability if other contributing factors are discovered.

Under Florida’s wrongful death laws, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering

Investigation Ongoing

The Leesburg Police Department is actively investigating the crash and asking the public for help locating the driver and vehicle involved.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crimeline or the Leesburg Police Department Traffic Unit.

If you have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.