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PEDESTRIAN HIT-AND-RUN CRASH

Judith Byron killed in Brooklyn pedestrian crash

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Driver allegedly ran red light and struck her mid-crosswalk

October 04, 2025 | Sunset Park, NY
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.

On the evening of October 4, 2025, 75-year-old Judith Byron lost her life in a devastating hit-and-run collision on Seventh Avenue near 41st Street in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. While crossing in a marked crosswalk, Byron was struck by a silver Toyota SUV that ran a red light shortly after 9:30 p.m. The driver fled northbound, leaving the longtime Brooklyn resident critically injured. 

She was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead.

pedestrian crashIn Sunset Park, New York, 75-year-old Judith Byron was struck in a marked crosswalk at 7th Avenue and 41st Street by a silver SUV that then fled the scene.

What Happened in the Brooklyn Hit-and-Run?

The fatal incident unfolded near Byron's home, underscoring the vulnerabilities of pedestrian safety in busy urban neighborhoods. The New York Police Department (NYPD) is conducting a thorough investigation and has urged the public to come forward with any information about the suspect vehicle.

  • Date and Time: October 4, 2025, shortly after 9:30 p.m.
  • Location: Seventh Avenue near 41st Street, Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York
  • Victim: Judith Byron, 75, of Brooklyn
  • Vehicle Involved: Silver Toyota SUV
  • Incident Details: Driver ran a red light, struck pedestrian in crosswalk, fled north on Seventh Avenue
  • Investigation Status: NYPD searching for suspect, no arrests made

Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?

Hit-and-run crashes, particularly those involving pedestrians, often result from a mix of driver error, fear of consequences, and environmental factors. These incidents erode community trust and complicate justice for victims' families. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 1 in 4 pedestrian fatalities in 2023 involved hit-and-run drivers, highlighting the urgent need for deterrence and awareness.

Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Incidents

  • Driver Panic or Impairment: Immediate fear or substance influence leads to flight from the scene.
  • Reckless Behavior: Running lights or exceeding speeds without regard for pedestrians.
  • Poor Visibility: Nighttime conditions or inadequate lighting contribute to undetected impacts.
  • Lack of Accountability: Uninsured or unlicensed drivers evading legal repercussions.

YearTotal Pedestrian FatalitiesHit-and-Run Involved (%)Source
20237,31424NHTSA
20227,52224NHTSA
20217,38823NHTSA

Expert Insights on Hit-and-Run Cases

Drawing from extensive experience in motor vehicle accident litigation, national legal analysts emphasize the complexities of pursuing justice in hit-and-run scenarios, including the critical role of independent probes.

“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Bond added, “Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined.”

“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. Formica noted, “We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”

Key Takeaways from Analysts

  • Comprehensive investigations are essential to establish negligence and hold drivers accountable in hit-and-run cases.
  • Families of victims may pursue wrongful death claims for compensation covering loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
  • Prompt legal involvement safeguards rights amid ongoing police inquiries and potential charges against fleeing drivers.

How Can Communities Prevent Hit-and-Run Incidents?

Addressing hit-and-run tragedies demands collaborative efforts in enforcement, infrastructure, and education to foster safer streets for all pedestrians.

Prevention Strategies

  • Enhanced Enforcement: Increased patrols and surveillance in high-risk areas to catch offenders swiftly.
  • Infrastructure Upgrades: Brighter crosswalk lighting and traffic calming measures to improve visibility.
  • Driver Education: Campaigns stressing the severe penalties for fleeing accident scenes.
  • Witness Encouragement: Tools like hotlines to facilitate anonymous reporting of suspicious vehicles.

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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).

Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Pedestrian Accident, New York, Brooklyn hit-and-run, 7th Avenue crash, Sunset Park accident, pedestrian fatality, Judith Byron

The staff of Newsline would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Judith Byron and family

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