On the early morning of Monday, September 30th, 2024, at approximately 6:05 a.m., deputies responded to a traffic incident at Tampa Road and Pine Avenue South. A female pedestrian was reported to have been hit by a vehicle.
Investigators revealed that a 57-year-old New Port Richey man, driving a 2021 orange Chevrolet Colorado, was traveling eastbound in the middle lane of Tampa Road. The traffic signal was green as he approached the intersection of Pine Avenue South. At the same time, 38-year-old Marie Lucas of Old Town, Florida, dressed in all black, was crossing Tampa Road from north to south with her 16-year-old son. Despite the “do not cross” signal, Lucas and her son entered the crosswalk and were struck by the Chevrolet.
Marie Lucas was immediately transported to the hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. Fortunately, the driver of the Chevrolet and Lucas’ son was uninjured. Authorities have confirmed that neither speed nor impairment were factors in the crash.
The next of kin has been notified, and the investigation is ongoing.