SOUTH PALM BEACH, Fla. — A driver hit and killed a 73-year-old woman who was crossing a road in South Palm Beach on Friday, deputies said.
Investigators said Hatixhe Laiqi of South Palm Beach was walking across the 3500 block of South Ocean Boulevard just after 6 p.m. when she was hit by an SUV.
Despite hitting the woman, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said the driver continued to head north on South Ocean Boulevard.
Seeking info on a Hit & Run 🚨
— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) November 13, 2023
A tragic incident on S Ocean Blvd claimed a life. Help us find a black '16-'17 GMC Terrain with front driver's side damage. Anyone with info can call Investigator Stephan at 561-688-3000 or Crime Stoppers. Together, we can bring justice. #HitAndRun pic.twitter.com/Mlra4NvUmy
Laiqi was pronounced dead at the scene after officials arrived.
On Monday night, spokeswoman Teri Barbera said a black 2016 GMC Terrain involved in the crash had been located.
Earlier, the sheriff's office said they were looking for a 2016 to 2017 GMC Terrain that is possibly black. They said the SUV will have significant damage to the front driver's side.
From where the wreck occurred, there are no crosswalks in sight.
Those who knew the victim said she lived at The Barclay condominiums just across the street from where the wreck occurred.
Neighbors like James Donatelli said he saw the aftermath unfold.
"I was watching from just outside the yellow tape," Donatelli said. "The lady that was struck and killed was a neighbor just next door. I've spoken to her son afterwards, and there's nothing that can be done to bring her back."
WPTV contacted South Palm Beach Mayor Bonnie Fischer about the issue.
"I know our residents are concerned about crosswalks," Fischer said. "It's been a bone of contention for several years."
Fischer said getting crosswalks installed is not as easy as it sounds in towns like South Palm Beach.
"There needs to be a sidewalk on both sides," Fischer said, "and a public point from one side to another. We don't have any public property except the Town Hall property, so that's been an issue for years."
She told us she'll continue to have conversations on the issue with town leadership.
While many wait for news of safer roads on the way, sheriff's detectives told WPTV that they have a person of interest but are still asking for any tips on who may have been the driver in this case.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Investigator Robert Stephan or Crime Stoppers at 561-688-3000.
