Deadly Morning Collision
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a tragic pedestrian crash in Northwest Washington, D.C., that claimed the life of 61-year-old Rosa Cabezas. The incident occurred Friday morning near the intersection of 13th Street and Harvard Street.
Police reported that the crash happened shortly before 9 a.m. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 8:48 a.m., where responders found a woman critically injured after being struck by a vehicle.
Victim Identified as Rosa Cabezas
Authorities later identified the victim as Rosa Cabezas, a resident of Southeast D.C. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Cabezas succumbed to her injuries, marking a devastating outcome to emergency efforts.
Family members and neighbors have since been notified, though officials have not yet released details about funeral arrangements or potential community memorials.
How the Crash Occurred
According to MPD’s preliminary investigation, Cabezas was crossing 13th Street when she was struck by a Toyota Rav4. The vehicle had been making a turn onto 13th Street from Harvard Street at the time of the collision.
Investigators confirmed that the driver of the Toyota remained on the scene and is cooperating with authorities. No arrests or charges had been announced as of the latest update, with officials emphasizing that the investigation remains ongoing.
Major Crash Unit Leads Investigation
The case has been assigned to detectives from MPD’s Major Crash Investigations Unit, which specializes in analyzing fatal and serious traffic collisions. Their work includes reconstructing the sequence of events, reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and assessing whether driver error, road conditions, or other contributing factors played a role.
Police stressed that determining fault or criminal liability requires a careful, fact-based review, and they urged the public not to jump to conclusions while evidence is still being gathered.
Call for Public Assistance
The Metropolitan Police Department is appealing to the public for information that could help clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash. Witnesses or individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact MPD at (202) 727-9099. Those wishing to remain anonymous can submit information through the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE by texting 50411.
Authorities emphasized that tips from the public often play a critical role in completing crash investigations, especially in incidents that occur on busy roadways with multiple potential witnesses.
Community Impact
The death of Rosa Cabezas has sparked grief in her community and renewed discussions about pedestrian safety in the District. Advocates have long raised concerns about intersections in busy neighborhoods, particularly those with high foot traffic and frequent turning vehicles.
While officials have not confirmed whether infrastructure changes will be considered at the 13th and Harvard Street intersection, the tragedy has underscored the ongoing challenges of protecting pedestrians in D.C.’s urban environment.
As the investigation continues, MPD’s focus remains on uncovering the full details of what led to this devastating loss of life.
Leave a Reply