Ashleah C. Hayes Killed in Leesburg Hit-and-Run Accident
Police are searching for the vehicle in the tragic death of 40-year-old pedestrian
Ashleah C. Hayes, 40, was found deceased in the roadway around 12:09 a.m. Friday morning in Leesburg, Florida. Officers with the Leesburg Police Department were conducting a well-being check near U.S. Highway 27 when they found Hayes near the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and English Road. Lt. Shannon Walsh said the preliminary investigation found Hayes was crossing U.S. Highway 27 when she was struck by a northbound gray Hyundai sedan. The driver fled the scene. Walsh also said the suspect vehicle is believed to have front-end damage. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) or LPD’s Traffic Unit at 352-728-9860, extension 3838.
The hit-and-run death of Ashleah C. Hayes highlights the ongoing challenges faced by investigators in tracking down drivers who abandon crash sites. The process of assigning criminal charges and determining civil liability can be complex. Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, noted that "the cruelty of leaving someone to die on the road is something no family should endure." It allows investigators to gather forensic evidence, such as paint transfer or vehicle damage, which can corroborate witness statements and reconstruct the events leading to Hayes' death. Fleeing the scene of a fatal accident carries severe criminal penalties in Florida, often resulting in felony charges. Beyond criminal prosecution, the driver will also face civil lawsuits from Hayes' family seeking compensation for their deep loss.
Under Fla. Stat. § 768.16-768.26, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Florida applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of support and services, loss of companionship, mental pain and suffering of survivors, and medical/funeral expenses.