Driver fled after vehicle hit walker at busy Urbana intersection
December 20, 2025 | Urbana, IL
Urbana police are investigating a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 22-year-old Perry Lee on Dec. 20.
The pedestrian was struck by a fleeing vehicle at a busy intersection, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in Champaign County.
What Happened in the Crash?
Perry Lee, 22, was killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash at Green Street and Mathews Avenue in Urbana.
Authorities responded to the scene in the early morning hours at the intersection of Green Street and Mathews Avenue. Perry Lee sustained critical injuries and was transported to Carle Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 9:44 a.m.
- Date and Time: Dec. 20, 2025, early morning
- Location: Green Street and Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL
- Victim: Perry Lee, 22 years old
- Vehicle: Unknown make and model, and the driver fled the scene
- Outcome: Fatal injuries, and the victim was pronounced dead at the hospital
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?
Hit-and-run crashes often stem from factors like impaired driving, speeding, or fear of legal consequences. In this case, investigators are pursuing leads to identify the responsible vehicle and driver. The Urbana Police Department urges anyone with information to contact them immediately to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Hit-and-Run Statistics in Illinois and Beyond
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation's 2023 Crash Facts report, the state saw 1,169 fatal crashes leading to 1,269 deaths. Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable in such incidents.
Nationally, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports a hit-and-run every 43 seconds, with a 60% rise since 2009. Most victims are pedestrians or bicyclists.
Category |
Illinois (2023) |
National Trend |
|---|
Fatal Crashes |
1,169 |
Not Available |
Total Deaths |
1,269 |
Not Available |
Hit-and-Run Frequency |
Not isolated |
Every 43 seconds |
Increase Since 2009 |
Not Available |
60% |
Primary Victims |
Pedestrians/Bicyclists |
Pedestrians/Cyclists |
Data sourced from IDOT and AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, conducting a thorough independent investigation is crucial to protect the rights of those affected. National legal analysts provide guidance on navigating these complex situations.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order 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 are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
- Examine environmental factors like lighting and signage to establish negligence.
- Timely investigations preserve evidence and strengthen claims.
- Compensation may cover funeral costs, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
“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 Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
Potential Wrongful Death Claims
Families affected by such tragedies may pursue wrongful death claims. These can address funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma, pending investigation outcomes.
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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).