NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — A Massachusetts woman was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver moments after attending a New Year’s Eve church service with her family, authorities announced Thursday.
Officers responding to a report of a crash involving a pedestrian in the area of 1805 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford just after midnight found a woman who had been struck by an SUV while attempting to cross the street, according to the Bristol District Attorney’s Office.
The victim, identified as 33-year-old Nicolassa Ventura Colaj, of New Bedford, was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Colaj was “thrown a distance” in the crash, and the SUV involved fled the scene, the DA’s office noted.
The pastor of Iglesia Pentecostal Unida Latinoamericana spoke to Boston 25 in Spanish Thursday night.
He claimed that Colaj was a wife and mother of three. They were celebrating New Year’s Eve with a midnight mass. Her family was allegedly there when the incident occurred.
The pastor said the driver behind the SUV, he said, kept driving and ran her over.
Neighbors like Ricky Medeiros watched the scene unfold from their homes near Acushent Avenue.
“I heard some big, loud screeching,” he said. “There’s always people driving down the streets, going nuts.”
He claimed she was sent flying 10-20 yards.
Medeiros continued, “They weren’t out partying or anything like that. They were leaving church. Somebody was negligent, wasn’t paying attention. The worst part is they didn’t stop. Accidents happen. They were negligent. They didn’t stop so now a family is left without any answers.”
Both the pastor and Medeiros are calling on the driver to come forward.
Medeiros finished, “It’s a horrible way to start the year -- leaving church, praising the Lord, and this is what happens.”
State police detectives assigned to the DA’s office are assisting the New Bedford Police Department with an investigation.
No additional details were immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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