Liliia Hrushka Car Accident, Death – On Monday morning, a tragic hit-and-run accident occurred on the 10200 block of Jefferson Boulevard, resulting in the death of a pedestrian. The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the Fatal Crash Team (FACT) was activated to investigate the fatal collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.
Authorities responded to emergency calls at approximately 6:09 a.m., arriving at the scene to find an unresponsive man lying in the roadway with severe injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Emergency medical personnel immediately rendered aid, and the victim was rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical staff, the pedestrian died later that day.
The victim was identified as a 31-year-old man from Washington D.C. Initial investigation revealed that he was walking eastbound along Jefferson Boulevard when he was struck by a vehicle traveling in the same direction. Witnesses at the scene reported that the driver involved did not stop after the collision, prompting the police to activate FACT. This specialized unit is responsible for reconstructing crashes and investigating serious and fatal traffic incidents within St. Joseph County.
Later in the day, investigators identified the driver involved in the crash as 18-year-old Liliia Hrushka of Goshen. Hrushka was found unharmed and is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they work to piece together the events that led to the accident. Authorities have not disclosed whether factors such as drugs, alcohol, speeding, or driver distraction contributed to the crash. Furthermore, it remains unclear if the pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk or walking along the shoulder of the road at the time.
FACT investigators are continuing to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review surveillance footage from the vicinity of the crash site. The identity of the victim has not been released publicly, as authorities are still notifying his next of kin.
The local community has expressed concern over pedestrian safety along Jefferson Boulevard, citing previous incidents and the lack of sufficient sidewalks and street lighting in some areas. Residents have urged city officials to improve safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed. The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office will review the comprehensive findings from the FACT investigation before deciding whether to pursue any charges related to the crash.
Authorities are calling on anyone with additional information, dashcam footage, or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and assist investigators. Public cooperation is vital to ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation, helping to hold responsible parties accountable in cases involving fatal injuries.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face on roadways and underscores the critical responsibility drivers bear to operate vehicles safely and attentively. The community mourns the loss of a life cut short and awaits answers as investigators continue their work to clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash that occurred on Jefferson Boulevard that fateful Monday morning.