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Westport hit-and-run victim dies from injuries; driver still at large

WESTPORT, Mass. — A woman who was struck by a car in Westport last week has died from her injuries, police say.

Stephanie Tripp, 30, of Fall River, was severely injured after she was hit by a car while walking in the area of 288 Old Bedford Road on May 7.

Westport Police received a 911 call at around 8:15 p.m. for reports of a crash and a severely injured woman. At the scene, first responders found Tripp laying face down in the breakdown lane suffering from major injuries.

Tripp was transported to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition where she stayed until her death on Thursday morning.

Preliminary investigation shows Tripp was hit by what police believe to be a gray BMW 3 Series while walking along the side of the roadway. According to witnesses, the male driver got out of his car and allegedly told the witness he was sorry and didn't mean to hit the victim.

While one witness who stopped to help the victim told the driver to stay on scene, he got back in his car and sped away. The vehicle was last seen at the corner of Old Fall River Road and Faunce Corner Road in Dartmouth. Police say the car is likely a model from 1999 through 2005 and should have sustained minor damage to its hood, front end and/or front passenger side.

Although officers spoke with several witnesses who remained on scene, there is reason to believe that other witnesses may have seen the crash, the vehicle that struck the victim or may have information about the driver.

Anyone who was in the area and saw anything, or has information about this case is asked to contact Massachusetts State Police Trooper Phil Giardino at 508-961-1928 or Westport Police detectives at (508) 636-1122.

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