Long Beach tragedy as woman dies in crosswalk after driver flees and later faces arrest
Long Beach was struck by a devastating tragedy on Friday afternoon when a woman lost her life while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. The heartbreaking collision occurred on September 12, 2025, just after noon near Long Beach Boulevard and 68th Street, leaving the community shaken and raising urgent questions about road safety and accountability.
Authorities reported that the woman, whose identity has not yet been released pending family notification, was crossing within the designated crosswalk when she was hit by a car. Police confirmed that the driver, identified as 65-year-old Eric Dewayne Moody, was behind the wheel of a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro at the time of the crash.
Instead of stopping to provide aid, Moody fled the scene, leaving the woman critically injured and without immediate help. Law enforcement said that failing to stop or call for assistance following such a severe incident not only compounded the tragedy but also highlighted the reckless disregard for human life involved in this case.
The woman tragically died at the scene, her life cut short in a place where pedestrians should feel safe. The fact that she was using a marked crosswalk underscores the devastating consequences when drivers fail to prioritize vigilance and responsibility behind the wheel. Residents of the area expressed sorrow and outrage that such an avoidable loss could take place in their community.
In an unexpected turn, Moody returned to the scene about 40 minutes after the initial crash. By then, police officers were investigating, and witnesses were shaken by what they had seen. His return led to his immediate arrest, and officials wasted no time in holding him accountable for the harm caused.
Moody now faces serious charges, including vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run. He was booked and held on $50,000 bail, pending further proceedings. Authorities stated that the legal consequences reflect not only the crash itself but also the decision to flee instead of rendering aid to the victim.
The community is left mourning a life lost too soon, while family members of the woman are being notified and supported during this devastating time. Police and neighbors alike extended their condolences to her loved ones, emphasizing the need for compassion and collective grief in the wake of such a tragedy.
Traffic investigators continue to examine the details of the incident, including speed, visibility, and driver behavior. Officials said their goal is to fully understand what contributed to the collision and how future tragedies like this might be prevented. Early reports indicate that no mechanical issues were present with the vehicle, suggesting human error and recklessness were primary factors.
Police have urged drivers throughout Long Beach and beyond to remain vigilant, especially when approaching intersections and crosswalks. They stressed the importance of yielding to pedestrians, slowing down in busy areas, and remembering that even a moment of inattention can have irreversible consequences.
For now, Long Beach mourns the loss of a woman whose life was suddenly and tragically cut short. As the case proceeds through the courts, the community’s grief is paired with calls for stronger awareness, responsibility, and respect for pedestrians who share the streets every day.
