Vehicle left roadway in 5600 block of 11th Avenue West before striking woman
May 01, 2026 | Bradenton, FL
A 77-year-old woman lost her life in a devastating hit-and-run crash in Bradenton on a Friday afternoon.
Authorities reported that Vicki Noon was struck by a vehicle while in her yard, leading to immediate tragedy at the scene.
What Happened in the Crash?
Vicki Noon, 77, died after a vehicle left the roadway and struck her in the yard of a home in the 5600 block of 11th Avenue West in Bradenton, Manatee County.
Police detailed that Noon was outside her home in the 5600 block of 11th Avenue West around 1 p.m. when a vehicle veered off the road and hit her. She was declared deceased on site by first responders.
Eyewitnesses observed a gold sedan fleeing the area. Law enforcement searched the vicinity for video footage and soon identified the suspect vehicle parked nearby in the 7200 block of 13th Avenue West.
- Date and Time: May 1, approximately 1 p.m.
- Location: 5600 block of 11th Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida
- Victim: Vicki Noon, 77 years old
- Vehicle Involved: Gold sedan
- Outcome: Fatal injury, hit-and-run confirmed
Who Was the Suspect and What Charges Were Filed?
At the residence where the gold sedan was found, 40-year-old Jordan Beard was present. He now faces charges for leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in injury or death. Investigators may pursue further charges as the investigation continues.
Local residents recalled Noon fondly, noting her background as a former nurse and her kind nature. Community members also raised concerns about increasing speeding issues in this once-peaceful area.
Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
Hit-and-run incidents pose a significant risk nationwide. The following table summarizes key data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Year |
Estimated Hit-and-Run Crashes |
Fatalities from Hit-and-Runs |
Frequency |
|---|
2015 |
737,100 |
Not Available |
Once every 43 seconds |
2016 |
Not Available |
2,049 |
Highest recorded |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
These figures underscore the urgency of addressing such crashes through enforcement and awareness.
Legal Insights on Hit-and-Run Cases
In discussions of motor vehicle incidents like this, national analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, shared valuable perspectives.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Bond, 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 such analyses include:
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for aspects like loss of companionship, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
- Legal representation is crucial to counter insurance pressures for low settlements.
- Attorneys can secure fair compensation by thoroughly investigating evidence.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the importance of professional guidance in these matters.
“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 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 clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Factors contributing to these crashes often involve driver negligence, such as speeding or impairment, as noted by community observations in this case. Broader data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that pedestrian fatalities have risen, with hit-and-runs comprising a notable portion.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).