A quiet stretch of U.S. Highway 27 turned into a crime scene early Friday when a 40-year-old Leesburg woman was found dead in the roadway after a hit-and-run crash, police said. Officers discovered the woman near U.S. 27 and English Road, just south of Singletary Park. Investigators are looking for a gray Hyundai sedan believed to be headed north at the time and likely carrying fresh front-end damage.
Police were initially called out for a well-being check shortly after midnight. When they arrived, they found the victim, identified as Ashleah C. Hayes, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives say Hayes was crossing U.S. 27 when a car hit her and kept going, according to WESH.
Investigation and witness search
Lt. Shannon Walsh told Inside Lake that early findings show a northbound gray Hyundai struck Hayes while she was in the roadway. Officers are canvassing nearby businesses and the surrounding area for surveillance video and anyone who might have seen or heard something. According to Inside Lake, anonymous tips can be submitted through Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS as part of the search for the suspect vehicle.
How to report tips
Leesburg police are urging anyone with information to contact the department’s Traffic Unit at 352-728-9860, extension 3838, according to WESH. Investigators are especially interested in doorbell camera or dash-camera footage from around U.S. 27 and English Road around the time of the crash, hoping it will help them zero in on the car and the driver who left the scene.
What Florida law says
Under Florida law, leaving the scene of a crash that causes a death can be charged as a first-degree felony, with penalties that can include long prison sentences and substantial fines, according to the Florida Legislature. Prosecutors can also seek tougher penalties if the driver was impaired or has prior convictions.
