Driver left after striking a pedestrian near Orrick Road in Excelsior Springs
November 12, 2025 | Excelsior Springs, MO
A tragic hit-and-run crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Mary Levingston in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on Nov. 12.
Authorities reported the incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. near Orrick Road, leaving the community in mourning.
What Happened in the Crash?
Mary Levingston, 35, died after a Chevrolet Tahoe struck her in a hit-and-run on Fredericksburg Road near Orrick Road in Excelsior Springs.
Mary Levingston was walking eastbound on Fredericksburg Road when a Chevrolet Tahoe struck her and fled the scene. Emergency services arrived promptly but pronounced her deceased at the location.
Key details include:
- Date and Time: Nov. 12, 2025, approximately 5:45 p.m.
- Location: Fredericksburg Road near Orrick Road, Excelsior Springs, MO
- Vehicle Involved: Chevrolet Tahoe
- Victim: Mary Levingston, 35, pedestrian
- Outcome: Fatal injuries, suspect identified via evidence and surveillance
Excelsior Springs Police Department gathered crucial evidence, including surveillance footage, leading to the identification of a suspect. They have made contact, and the Ray County Prosecutor's Office is evaluating possible charges.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents remain a pressing concern on U.S. roadways, with more than one reported every minute. Factors often include driver intoxication, lack of a valid license, or fear of legal repercussions.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recommends preventive measures such as:
- Staying alert to surroundings
- Yielding to pedestrians, even outside crosswalks
- Providing ample space when passing cyclists
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), Missouri saw 142 pedestrian fatalities in 2024, a nearly 11% rise from the prior year.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
U.S. Hit-and-Run Crashes per Minute |
More than 1 |
National Safety Council |
Missouri Pedestrian Deaths (2024) |
142 |
GHSA |
National Pedestrian Fatalities Increase (Recent Years) |
77% |
CDC |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, thorough investigations are vital to establish accountability and support affected families.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be fully considered. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured by a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from legal analysis:
- Prompt independent probes protect victim rights and preserve evidence.
- Time-sensitive reviews of surveillance and scene data are essential.
- Comprehensive evaluations cover environmental factors like lighting and signage.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, emphasized pedestrian priorities in traffic laws.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” Formica noted. Families may pursue wrongful death claims for losses including income, companionship, emotional distress, and funeral costs.
Attorneys play a crucial role in navigating insurance pressures and securing fair compensation during grief.
Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards as a premier digital news platform with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. For transparency, review our Corrections Policy, ensuring a 24-hour review guarantee.
Interested in advertising opportunities with Newsline, including partnerships in insurance and automotive sectors? Visit https://www.newsline.com/contact to connect.
(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.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(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).