Vehicle fled but suspect later arrested
October 05, 2025 | Riverside, NY
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In a heartbreaking hit-and-run collision on October 5, 2025, 46-year-old Ever Eli Damian Mazat of Flanders lost his life after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. The Southampton Town Police Department stated that the incident unfolded around 7:23 p.m. on Flanders Road near Vail Avenue in Suffolk County, when the driver of a 1999 Toyota Corolla fled the scene before returning hours later and facing arrest.
What Happened in the Hit-and-Run Crash?
Authorities have identified Ever Eli Damian Mazat, 46, as the person fatally struck in a crosswalk on Flanders Road near Vail Avenue in Riverside.
Authorities reported that Mazat was lawfully in a crosswalk when the vehicle hit him, leading to his immediate pronouncement of death at the location.
- Date and Time: October 5, 2025, approximately 7:23 p.m.
- Location: Flanders Road near Vail Avenue, Riverside, Suffolk County, New York.
- Victim: Ever Eli Damian Mazat, 46, of Flanders, declared deceased at the scene.
- Vehicle Involved: 1999 Toyota Corolla.
- Driver: 46-year-old woman, who left the scene initially but surrendered later, charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, bail set at $25,000 cash.
- Investigation: Led by the Southampton Town Police Department, underscoring the obligation for drivers to stay at the scene of collisions.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Such incidents frequently stem from drivers' fear of repercussions, impairment, unlicensed operation, or insurance issues, prompting flight from the scene. By law, motorists must remain until officials arrive, yet over one hit-and-run crash happens every minute across U.S. roadways.
Pedestrians face heightened risks, with the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) estimating 7,148 pedestrian fatalities nationwide in 2024, including 307 in New York.
U.S. Hit-and-Run Fatality Statistics (2019-2023). Source: NHTSA.
Year |
Fatal Hit-and-Run Incidents |
Source |
|---|
2019 |
1,970 |
NHTSA |
2020 |
2,520 |
NHTSA |
2021 |
2,830 |
NHTSA |
2022 |
2,854 |
NHTSA |
2023 |
2,872 |
NHTSA |
Expert Insights
Newsline draws on perspectives from leading legal experts to contextualize events like this pedestrian hit-and-run.
Insights from Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be fully considered in cases such as this. These procedures are necessary for helping families receive the justice and monetary compensation they deserve.”
- Key Takeaway: Thorough probes into environmental elements are vital for accountability.
- Key Takeaway: Expert resources aid in securing rightful reparations for affected parties.
Insights from Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Formica. “Family members of victims in cases such as this may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic accident.” “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth,” Formica noted. “However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
- Key Takeaway: Yielding to pedestrians is a core driver responsibility.
- Key Takeaway: Legal representation counters unfair insurance tactics.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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).