Chevrolet Traverse struck man near Edwards Avenue before driver fled scene
April 22, 2026 | Elmwood, LA
A 43-year-old man from New Orleans lost his life in a hit-and-run incident on Louisiana Highway 48 near Edwards Avenue in Jefferson Parish.
The Louisiana State Police reported that the pedestrian was struck by a Chevrolet Traverse driven by Veleka Dabney-Swan, a 47-year-old woman from White Castle, just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
Veleka Dabney-Swan, 47, was arrested after a hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian on Louisiana Highway 48 near Edwards Avenue in Elmwood.
The victim, whose identity has not been publicly released, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. Authorities arrested Dabney-Swan the following day at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, charging her with hit-and-run resulting in death. The investigation into the fatal collision continues.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: Wednesday evening, just after 9 p.m., April 22.
- Location: Louisiana Highway 48 near Edwards Avenue, Jefferson Parish, Elmwood, La.
- Vehicle Involved: Chevrolet Traverse driven by 47-year-old Veleka Dabney-Swan from White Castle.
- Victim Details: A 43-year-old pedestrian from New Orleans, whose name was withheld, was transported to the hospital with serious injuries before passing away.
- Agency Response: Louisiana State Police is leading the investigation, and an arrest was made on Thursday on a hit-and-run resulting in death charge.
This tragic accident underscores the dangers pedestrians face on roadways, particularly in areas with moderate traffic like Highway 48.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from factors such as driver panic, impairment, or disregard for traffic laws. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these crashes pose significant risks to vulnerable road users.
Year |
Estimated Hit-and-Run Crashes |
Fatalities from Hit-and-Runs |
|---|
2015 |
737,100 |
Not Available |
2016 |
Not Available |
2,049 (highest recorded) |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The table highlights the alarming frequency of these accidents, with one occurring every 43 seconds based on 2015 figures.
Legal Insights
A national legal analyst shared perspectives on handling hit-and-run cases like this one.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party.”
Added Bond, national analyst for Newsline, “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide families during this difficult time, protecting their rights while ensuring that drivers who don't obey traffic laws are held accountable.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Families may pursue civil claims for compensation beyond criminal proceedings.
- Legal representation can uncover additional evidence, such as witness statements or digital records.
- Attorneys provide support in navigating insurance negotiations and holding parties accountable.
- In wrongful death cases, compensation could cover loss of companionship, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the importance of professional guidance.
“It is vital for families of victims to hire an attorney when filing a wrongful death injury claim, which allows the attorney to negotiate with an insurance company on the behalf of a client,” said Formica. “Insurance companies often try to pressure families of victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Pending investigation outcomes, the family of the victim may explore options for a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial recovery.
Newsline, a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence.
For transparency, view our Corrections Policy, which guarantees a 24-hour review of any submitted corrections via the Corrections Form.
(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).