Florida Highway Patrol troopers are stepping up the search for a woman they say fled after hitting and killing a moped rider on State Road 54 in Zephyrhills. The deadly crash happened on the evening of Sept. 29, 2025, and left a 55-year-old man dead at the scene. Weeks later, troopers have renewed their public appeal as they keep looking for the pickup and its driver.
How the crash unfolded
According to WTSP, the moped was heading east on SR 54 just before 9 p.m. when it hit a pedestrian who was walking in the eastbound lanes. The impact threw the rider into the roadway. Moments later, investigators say an eastbound pickup described as an older-model black Chevrolet Silverado, possibly a 2000 model year, ran over the rider and then kept going. The moped operator, a 55-year-old Zephyrhills man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Suspect description and investigation
FHP has described the fleeing driver as a white woman in her 30s or 40s, and troopers are working their way through businesses and surveillance cameras along the SR 54 corridor, as reported by FOX 13. They have not released the driver's name or said whether active charges will be pursued at this stage of the investigation.
Investigators say the right tip might be hiding in plain sight. Fresh bodywork, a missing bumper or a quick paint job on an older black Silverado could all point them in the right direction.
Local reporting by Zephyrhills Free Press confirmed that another 55-year-old man walking ahead of the moped was also hit in the initial collision and suffered injuries. FHP did not immediately release the identities of those involved, citing next-of-kin notifications and the active investigation.
Troopers say any surveillance video from businesses, residences or dashcams along State Road 54 on the night of Sept. 29, 2025 could help them connect the dots.
Legal consequences
Leaving the scene of a crash that results in death is one of the most serious traffic crimes on the books in Florida. In fatal hit-and-run cases, drivers can face a first-degree felony charge. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles outlines strict hit-and-run rules and enhanced penalties when serious injury or death is involved, including mandatory minimum prison sentences in some situations.
Prosecutors will decide on any formal charges based on the evidence developed by FHP and partner agencies as they build the case.
How to help
Anyone with information about the pickup, the driver or possible video from the scene is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP (*347) or reach out to Crime Stoppers, as reported by WTSP. Investigators say dashcam or doorbell footage from the SR 54 corridor on the night of Sept. 29, 2025 could be especially valuable.
Tips can be submitted anonymously, and every lead will be checked out. Just do not try to play hero by chasing down a suspect vehicle yourself.
The investigation remains active, and FHP has said updates will be released as new leads come in, FOX 13 reports. Local law enforcement agencies are assisting with the canvass and evidence collection as authorities work to identify the driver who left the scene.
