A Texas woman staying temporarily in Indianapolis was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash near the Marion–Hancock county line on Monday, authorities said. Deputies arrived to find her lying in the roadway with traumatic injuries and no pulse, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives say they are still working to unravel how the deadly collision unfolded.
The Hancock County Sheriff's Department identified the victim as 43-year-old Nikki Megale, a Texas native. Deputies were called to the intersection of County Road 300 North and County Road 700 West, near the Marion/Hancock county line, after reports that a woman had been hit by a vehicle. Buck Creek Township Fire Department, Indiana State Police, the Hancock County coroner's office, McCordsville police and Greenfield police all responded, and the roadway was shut down for about two and a half hours while crews worked the scene, according to FOX59.
Scene and investigation
Hancock County detectives told reporters they found Megale unresponsive with visible trauma when they arrived and are now investigating the circumstances of the crash. No arrests have been announced. Investigators have asked anyone with information or video from the area to come forward to help move the case forward.
Legal consequences for leaving the scene
Under Indiana law, drivers involved in crashes are required to stop, provide identification and offer reasonable assistance. Failing to do so can bring criminal charges. Leaving the scene of a collision that results in serious injury or death can be prosecuted as a felony under Indiana's vehicle code, per FindLaw.
How to help
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Hancock County Sheriff's Department or submit tips to law enforcement, as noted by FOX59. Investigators say the probe remains active and that any dash-cam or doorbell video captured near the Marion–Hancock county line on Monday could be crucial.
The Hancock County coroner's office assisted at the scene, and officials say the investigation is ongoing. Authorities plan to release additional details as they become available.
