An early morning drive along Deer Valley Road in north Phoenix turned tragic Thursday when a 50-year-old woman was hit by a car and later died, according to police. Officers arrived to find the pedestrian with life-threatening injuries and she was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The crash briefly closed lanes near the Interstate 17 interchange while detectives processed the scene.
Police have identified the victim as Jennifer Stitt, 50. The collision was reported just before 6 a.m. near 26th Avenue and Deer Valley Road, just west of Interstate 17, according to AZFamily. First responders rushed her to a Phoenix-area hospital, where she later died, and AZFamily’s report includes video showing a Hyundai sedan at the scene with a damaged windshield.
Phoenix police say the driver stayed at the scene and called 911. Detectives told reporters they believe the vehicle was stopped at a red light when the woman stepped out in front of it and that impairment does not appear to be a factor, according to Arizona Daily Independent. Investigators have not announced any charges as the traffic division continues to gather evidence, and the roadway has since reopened to traffic.
Pedestrian Risks on Phoenix Streets
Pedestrian crashes remain a substantial part of Arizona’s road toll. The Arizona Department of Transportation’s 2024 crash report recorded roughly 2,079 pedestrian crashes statewide and showed that urban areas like Phoenix account for a large share of traffic fatalities, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. ADOT and safety partners point to speeding, impairment and distracted driving as persistent contributors to fatal collisions even as overall statewide totals dipped in 2024.
Investigation Continuing
Phoenix police say the collision remains under investigation and that they are still working to determine the circumstances that led to the woman entering the roadway, according to AZFamily. Detectives are asking anyone with video or information about the crash to contact the Phoenix Police Department’s traffic investigators.
