Leesburg Hit-and-Run Leaves Woman Dead on U.S. 27

Police search for gray Hyundai with front-end damage after driver fled the scene.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car side mirror reflecting the faint glow of red and blue emergency lights, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a hit-and-run crash.The aftermath of a fatal hit-and-run crash exposes the harsh realities of road safety and the need for accountability.Leesburg Today

A 40-year-old Leesburg woman was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash on U.S. Highway 27 early Friday morning. Police are searching for a gray Hyundai sedan that likely has front-end damage and was headed northbound at the time of the incident.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run crashes are a major public safety concern, often leaving victims and their families with little closure and justice. This incident highlights the need for improved road safety measures and stricter penalties to deter drivers from fleeing the scene of an accident.

The details

Officers discovered the victim, identified as Ashleah C. Hayes, near the intersection of U.S. 27 and English Road, just south of Singletary Park. Investigators believe Hayes was crossing the highway when she was struck by the northbound gray Hyundai, which then fled the scene. Police are canvassing the area for surveillance footage and urging anyone with information to come forward.

  • The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • Police were initially called out for a well-being check around the time of the crash.

The players

Ashleah C. Hayes

A 40-year-old Leesburg woman who was killed in the hit-and-run crash.

Lt. Shannon Walsh

A Leesburg police officer who provided details about the investigation to local media.

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What they’re saying

“Early findings show a northbound gray Hyundai struck Hayes while she was in the roadway.”

— Lt. Shannon Walsh, Leesburg Police Officer

What’s next

Leesburg police are urging anyone with information, such as doorbell camera or dash-cam footage from the area around the time of the crash, to come forward and contact the department's Traffic Unit.

The takeaway

This tragic hit-and-run incident underscores the importance of improved road safety measures and stricter penalties for drivers who flee the scene of an accident. The Leesburg community is left searching for answers and justice for the victim's family.