Early Morning Hit and Run Kills 21 Year Old Woman in Yuma
A 21 year old woman was killed in an early morning hit and run Saturday near S. Avenue B and W. County 14th Street, prompting a criminal investigation and a call for witnesses. The collision highlights local concerns about pedestrian safety and the need for community cooperation with law enforcement.
Yuma County investigators continued an active probe Sunday after a hit and run collision shortly before 5:00 a.m. Saturday left a young woman dead near S. Avenue B and W. County 14th Street. Deputies said a passing vehicle struck the woman while she was walking on the roadside and continued without stopping. The victim was identified as 21 year old Mariella Acosta of Yuma and was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin were notified.
Authorities described the striking vehicle as possibly a sedan or coupe with damage to the front passenger side near the headlight area. The Yuma County Sheriff's Office has assigned the incident file number PR 2025 66 Fatal Collision and urged anyone with information to come forward. Investigators asked residents to contact the department at (928) 783 4427, call 78 CRIME to remain anonymous, or submit an anonymous tip via the YCSO website. The investigation remained ongoing into Sunday.
The collision occurred in a part of Yuma County where stretches of roadway have limited lighting and where pedestrian travel overnight is not uncommon for workers and residents. A fatal hit and run at this hour raises immediate public safety questions about roadway lighting, crosswalk placement, traffic enforcement, and driver accountability. For families and neighbors the loss is acute, while for county officials the case underscores the operational demands on law enforcement and the need for community engagement in solving crimes.
Beyond the immediate criminal investigation, the incident is likely to prompt discussion among county leaders about measures to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Options under consideration in past local conversations have included targeted enforcement during overnight hours, infrastructure investments such as enhanced lighting or marked crossings, and public information campaigns to encourage safe driving and to remind residents to report tips.
For now the focus for investigators is finding the vehicle and driver responsible and establishing what led to the collision. Community tips can be the decisive factor in hit and run cases. Residents with any information are asked to contact Yuma County Sheriff's Office using the numbers provided.
