Vehicle struck women as she crossed the roadway near Singletary Park
April 10, 2026 | Leesburg, FL
A 40-year-old Leesburg resident lost her life in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident early Friday morning near U.S. Highway 27 and English Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
Ashleah Hayes, 40, died after a Hyundai sedan struck her and fled the scene on U.S. Highway 27 in Leesburg.
Investigators report that Ashleah Hayes was crossing the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 27 when a Hyundai sedan struck her around 12:09 a.m., south of Singletary Park. The driver fled the scene before police arrived, leaving Hayes pronounced dead at the location.
Key details include:
- Date and Time: April 10, just after midnight
- Location: Intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and English Road, Leesburg, Florida
- Vehicle Involved: Northbound Hyundai sedan with suspected front-end damage
- Victim: Ashleah Hayes, 40, of Leesburg
- Outcome: Victim deceased at the scene, vehicle located and in custody
Authorities have identified the vehicle and are preparing to recommend charges to the State Attorney's Office upon completing the investigation. The driver faces potential criminal charges for fleeing the scene.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers fearing consequences such as intoxication, unlicensed operation, or prior warrants. Nationally, these crashes happen frequently, with data showing a rising trend in fatalities.
Statistic |
Details |
Source |
|---|
Annual Hit-and-Run Fatalities |
Approximately 2,000 deaths per year in the U.S. |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Trend Since 2009 |
An increase of about 7% annually in hit-and-run deaths |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Frequency |
More than one hit-and-run crash every minute on U.S. roads |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Common Causes |
Intoxication, unlicensed driving, fear of arrest |
NHTSA Reports |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, conducting a thorough independent investigation is crucial to safeguard victims' families. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and analyst for Newsline, emphasizes the need for detailed examinations.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve. An attorney can also ensure that hit-and-run drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions.”
Key takeaways:
- Investigate environmental factors like lighting and signage promptly
- Pursue accountability to prevent future incidents
- Secure compensation for losses, including medical and funeral costs
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, notes that families may pursue wrongful death claims when negligence leads to fatalities.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Formica. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
Pending investigation outcomes, Ashleah Hayes' family could seek compensation for expenses, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., is a premier digital news platform with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence.
Our rigorous standards ensure accurate reporting, backed by our Corrections Policy that guarantees a 24-hour review for any concerns.
For more on our processes, visit our Editorial Policy.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).