A pedestrian was killed in a tragic hit-and-run accident on Halloween night in southeast Dallas, according to the Dallas Police Department. The fatal collision occurred in the 2100 block of East Ledbetter Drive shortly before 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Officers responding to the scene discovered that the victim had been struck by an unknown vehicle that fled the area immediately after the impact. Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel arrived and provided emergency medical treatment before transporting the victim to a local hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, the pedestrian succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Police have not released the identity of the deceased victim pending notification of next of kin. The driver responsible for the collision left the scene without stopping to render aid or report the incident, as required by Texas law. Dallas Police Department's Vehicle Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation and is working to identify the vehicle and driver involved in this fatal hit-and-run crash. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that might help identify the suspect vehicle or driver.

Location and Infrastructure

East Ledbetter Drive is a major east-west arterial roadway that runs through the southern portion of Dallas, serving residential and commercial areas in the Pleasant Grove and Urbandale-Parkdale neighborhoods. The 2100 block where this fatal pedestrian accident occurred is located east of Interstate 45 and west of Loop 12, an area that experiences moderate to heavy traffic volumes, particularly during evening hours. This section of Ledbetter Drive features multiple lanes in each direction and serves as a key thoroughfare connecting southeastern Dallas neighborhoods to the greater metropolitan area. The roadway includes several intersections with traffic signals, crosswalks, and street lighting, though visibility can vary depending on specific locations and maintenance conditions. The area includes a mix of residential properties, small businesses, and community facilities. As with many urban arterial roads in Dallas, East Ledbetter Drive sees pedestrian activity from residents accessing nearby bus stops, stores, and homes, making pedestrian safety a critical concern for the community.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.021, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death are legally required to stop immediately at the scene, render reasonable assistance, and provide identification information. Leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injury or death constitutes a felony offense in Texas, punishable by significant prison time and fines. For the victim's family, Texas law provides the right to pursue wrongful death claims against responsible parties once identified, which may include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and lost future earnings. Texas operates under a modified comparative negligence system, and the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may provide compensation when hit-and-run drivers remain unidentified. Crime Victims' Compensation programs through the State of Texas may also provide assistance with expenses related to the incident. Anyone with information about this hit-and-run crash should contact the Dallas Police Department, as witness testimony can be crucial in identifying perpetrators and establishing liability in these cases.

Related Resources

Emergency and Law Enforcement:

• Dallas Police Department: (214) 671-0001
• Dallas Police Vehicle Crimes Unit: (214) 671-0015
• Crime Stoppers: (214) 373-8477 (anonymous tips may be eligible for rewards)
• Dallas Fire-Rescue: 911 for emergencies

Traffic Safety and Support Services:

• Texas Department of Transportation Dallas District: (214) 320-4480
• Vision Zero Dallas (traffic safety initiative): dallascityhall.com/visionzero
• Crime Victims' Compensation Program: (800) 983-9933
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) North Texas: (214) 744-6233

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Texas Transportation Code: statutes.capitol.texas.gov
• Texas Department of Insurance: tdi.texas.gov
• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 252-9690
• Dallas County Legal Aid: (214) 748-1234