Driver calls 911 after fatally striking pedestrian in Orlando, troopers say

Woman pronounced dead at ORMC

ORLANDO, Fla. – Authorities are investigating a crash in Orlando that left a woman dead, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers said the 45-year-old woman was struck while walking near the intersection of Silver Star and North Hiawassee roads at 6:15 a.m.

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The woman, identified as Belva Beckford Tomlis, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she later died, troopers said. It's unclear whether she was using a crosswalk when she was hit.

Troopers said the driver traveled about eight minutes, one mile down the road, and then pulled over to call 911.

"About eight minutes after the fire rescue got the call for the pedestrian in the roadway, this female driver, 68 years old, told dispatch that she thought she hit debris," FHP Lt. Kim Montes said.

The damage to her vehicle matched the crash and investigators believe she is the driver who hit the pedestrian, Montes said. The windshield was completely covered in damage and she couldn't see out of the window, Montes said.

Charges are pending while the crash remains under investigation.

"Very rarely do we have a hit-and-run where a vehicle has left the scene, where the driver pretty much immediately contacts us from a different location," Montes said. "That will be taken into consideration when we factor everything that occurred in this crash."

Orange County sees an average of 25-to 40 hit-and-run crashes daily, said Montes.

"Anytime you're involved in a crash, you're immediately supposed to call 911, no matter if it's minor or major," Montes said.

Troopers were interviewing the driver and reviewing surveillance video of the area.

This is a developing story. Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates.


About the Authors:

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.