News Summary
Virginia Beach police are investigating a series of pedestrian-related crashes, including one fatal incident involving a 72-year-old man. The driver fled the scene, leading to charges against a suspect. Authorities highlight the growing concerns over pedestrian safety in the area, as the number of incidents increases. The police chief emphasizes shared responsibility for road safety, urging awareness among both drivers and pedestrians to prevent further tragedies.
Virginia Beach police are investigating a series of pedestrian-related crashes that occurred on Monday night, one of which resulted in a fatality. The incidents highlight growing concerns about pedestrian safety in the area.
The first incident took place at 5:52 p.m. in the 3600 block of North Landing Road, where a roadway worker was struck by a vehicle. The individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver involved in this crash remained at the scene and cooperated with the authorities.
Later in the evening, at 11:36 p.m., a second crash was reported in the 2400 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard. A vehicle struck a 72-year-old male pedestrian who was in the roadway. The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash fled the scene. However, a second vehicle associated with the incident remained on the scene and its driver cooperated with police. The fleeing driver has been identified as 39-year-old Anthony Smith of Virginia Beach. Smith has since been charged with driving under the influence and hit and run resulting in death. Tragically, the 72-year-old pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene of this incident.
Earlier on Monday, at approximately 12:30 a.m., there was another incident near Virginia Beach Town Center, where a woman was hit by a car on Independence Boulevard. She was also transported to the hospital and remains in critical condition. The driver involved in this incident has been cooperative with the investigation.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate has expressed concern over a troubling trend in pedestrian-related crashes within the city. So far in 2025, there have been five fatal crashes involving pedestrians. In all five instances, police reports indicate that the pedestrians were found at fault. Neudigate emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility when it comes to road safety, urging drivers to stay alert while also reminding pedestrians to adhere to traffic laws.
Authorities are actively conducting investigations into all reported crashes, as the number of pedestrian incidents has escalated in recent months. This uptick in crashes signifies the urgent need for improved awareness and education surrounding pedestrian safety measures. The community is reminded of the importance of vigilance while navigating roadways, regardless of whether they are driving or walking.
As investigations proceed, both officials and the public are called to reflect on the responsibilities that accompany shared road use to prevent further tragedies. The cases serve as a sober reminder of the potential dangers that both drivers and pedestrians face on the road, underscoring the necessity for ongoing education on traffic safety for all community members.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: Virginia Beach Pedestrian Crash
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
- WAVY: Roadway Worker Hurt After Auto-Pedestrian Crash
- Pilot Online: Pedestrian Crash in Virginia Beach Kills 1 Man
- 13 News Now: Virginia Beach Fatal Crash Highlights Pedestrian Safety
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
