Colleen Mays Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident in Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth, TX — December 27, 2024, Colleen Mays was killed in a hit-and-run accident at about 8 a.m. on West Freeway near Linkcrest Drive.

Authorities said pedestrian Colleen Mays, 67, was hit by a red Toyota sedan near that intersection. The impact damaged the car’s front quarter panel and driver’s side mirror, based on debris recovered from the scene.

Investigators have not been able to identify the exact model of Toyota involved in the crash near Interstate 30 and Camp Bowie Boulevard/Texas 580 Spur.

The accident is still under investigation as authorities search for the suspect vehicle and its driver.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

The hit-and-run crash on West Freeway in Fort Worth, where a pedestrian was struck and killed by a red Toyota sedan, underscores the critical need for a thorough investigation to identify the driver and determine the circumstances surrounding the collision. Hit-and-run cases are uniquely complex, but focusing on three essential questions can help ensure every avenue is explored to uncover the truth.

First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation of the crash scene? Reports indicate that investigators recovered debris from the suspect vehicle, including parts of the front quarter panel and driver’s side mirror. This evidence is crucial for narrowing down the exact make and model of the Toyota involved. Beyond this, did investigators document other details, such as the condition of the roadway, skid marks or tire impressions, to help establish the vehicle’s speed or trajectory? Witness statements from anyone who may have seen the car before or after the collision are also vital pieces of the puzzle.

Second, has anyone considered whether a mechanical defect in the vehicle could have contributed to the crash? While leaving the scene strongly points to driver negligence, it’s important to account for the possibility that the vehicle itself may have had a malfunction, such as brake or steering failure, which made the collision unavoidable. If the vehicle is located, a detailed forensic examination should be conducted to rule out or confirm the presence of any mechanical issues. Although a defect wouldn’t absolve the driver for fleeing, it could provide additional context about the crash.

Finally, has all electronic data related to the crash been collected? In hit-and-run investigations, electronic evidence can play a key role in identifying the suspect vehicle and reconstructing the events. Traffic cameras, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or license plate readers along Interstate 30 and Camp Bowie Boulevard could provide critical leads about the vehicle’s movements. Once the Toyota is found, its engine control module (ECM) could reveal key details such as speed, braking activity and steering inputs at the time of the crash. Investigators should also examine whether cellphone data from the driver might show distraction or other factors leading up to the collision.

Hit-and-run incidents leave many unanswered questions and a deep need for accountability. By addressing these three critical questions, authorities can work toward identifying the responsible party and providing clarity for those affected by this devastating crash.