Little Havana Hit-and-Run Leaves Pedestrian Dead; Driver Arrested After Returning to Scene

A pedestrian in his 60s was killed Friday morning in a hit-and-run crash in Little Havana after being struck by a black Dodge Durango, Miami Police reported. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. near the intersection of Northwest 7th Street and Northwest 27th Avenue.

According to authorities, the victim was crossing the street when the 2018 Dodge Durango, traveling eastbound on Northwest 7th Street and approaching Northwest 24th Street, struck him. The driver reportedly fled the scene immediately following the collision.

Police later observed the damaged vehicle returning to the area at approximately 7:13 a.m. The driver, identified as 41-year-old Fernando Abraham De los Rios, exited the SUV with visible damage to the front left hood and bumper. When questioned by officers, De los Rios allegedly admitted to being involved in the crash, stating he had “panicked” when the collision occurred.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The roadway was closed between 23rd and 25th avenues while police investigated. Crime scene footage showed blood on the street and a body covered by a white tarp, highlighting the severity of the crash. De los Rios was taken into custody at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and charged with leaving the scene of a crash causing death.

Legal Considerations Following a Fatal Hit-and-Run

Accidents of this nature raise serious legal questions, particularly regarding liability and potential civil remedies for the victim’s family. In cases involving a fatal pedestrian collision, family members of the deceased may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, seeking compensation for:

• Loss of companionship and emotional support
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support from the deceased
• Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma resulting from the loss

Hit-and-run collisions are highly complex cases. Families may face challenges including:

• Identifying all liable parties
• Collecting evidence such as surveillance footage, accident reconstruction, and police reports
• Navigating insurance claims while the driver may face criminal prosecution

An experienced wrongful death and personal injury attorney can help families understand their rights, preserve critical evidence, and pursue maximum compensation.

Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm specializes in representing victims and families of fatal car accidents across Florida. We handle cases involving hit-and-runs, negligent drivers, and serious personal injuries, providing compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy.