News Summary
A tragic hit-and-run accident in Phoenix claimed the life of a pedestrian early Thursday morning. The incident occurred when the man was crossing outside of a crosswalk at 28th Avenue and Thomas Road. Witnesses reported that at least one vehicle did not slow down and struck the pedestrian before fleeing the scene. Authorities are investigating the possibility of multiple vehicles being involved, while the road remains closed for the ongoing investigation. This incident has raised concerns about pedestrian safety in urban areas.
Phoenix Pedestrian Dies in Early Morning Hit-and-Run Accident
A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run accident early Thursday morning in Phoenix, shortly after 3:45 a.m. The incident occurred near the intersection of 28th Avenue and Thomas Road, prompting police to arrive at the scene where they discovered a man suffering from serious injuries. Unfortunately, despite immediate life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities are investigating the possibility that the pedestrian was struck by multiple vehicles. At least one vehicle did remain at the scene after the incident. A witness present during the crash reported that the man was crossing the road outside of a designated crosswalk when he was hit. This witness added that one vehicle did not slow down, subsequently striking the pedestrian before leaving the area.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, Thomas Road has been closed to traffic between 27th Avenue and 31st Avenue. The police are urging drivers to seek alternate routes while detectives work to better understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The identity of the deceased pedestrian has not yet been released to the public.
Details of the Incident
The crash took place during the early morning hours, which statistics show can often be a dangerous time for pedestrians. The lack of visibility and reduced traffic often contribute to accidents at these hours. In this instance, the victim was reportedly crossing outside a crosswalk, which may have played a role in the events leading up to the collision.
The report suggests that at least one vehicle severely impacted the man, leading to the call for emergency services. Initial assessments indicated that his injuries were life-threatening. Sadly, responders were unable to save him, leading authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact sequence of events.
Investigation and Road Closure
In light of the incident, police detectives are actively looking into all aspects surrounding the crash. Witness statements and physical evidence from the scene will be pivotal in determining accountability. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover whether the hit-and-run driver can be located and whether any additional vehicles were involved in the accident.
The road closure on Thomas Road will remain in effect for the duration of the investigation, impacting local traffic. Authorities advise commuters and residents in the area to utilize alternate routes to avoid delays. This measure is necessary to allow law enforcement to fully process the site and gather critical information in their inquiry.
Community Impact
Pedestrian safety is a critical issue in urban areas, and incidents like this raise awareness about the importance of following traffic rules. Public safety officials often highlight the need for both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant, especially during early morning or late-night hours when road visibility can be compromised.
The situation has sparked conversations within the community about improving roadway safety and the need for more visible signage or traffic signals at pedestrian crossings. Local leaders may discuss potential measures aimed at minimizing such tragedies in the future as part of a broader effort to enhance pedestrian safety.
Conclusion
The Phoenix police continue to seek further information related to this hit-and-run incident, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. As the investigation proceeds, the community reflects on the need for greater awareness of pedestrian safety and the crucial responsibilities of drivers on the road.
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Additional Resources
- KOLD News
- ABC15 News
- 12 News
- KTAR News
- AZFamily
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
- Google Search: Pedestrian Safety
- Google Scholar: Pedestrian Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pedestrian Safety
- Google News: Pedestrian Safety

Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.