Authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a woman in New Bedford early Thursday morning, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn.
The victim was identified as Nicolassa Ventura Colaj, 33, of New Bedford.
A preliminary investigation determined that Colaj and her family were leaving a church gathering at 1805 Acushnet Avenue just after midnight on New Year’s Day. As Colaj was crossing the roadway, she was struck by an SUV and thrown a distance. The vehicle then fled the scene, authorities said.
Colaj was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office is assisting the New Bedford Police Department with the investigation. Officials said the case remains active, and no additional details have been released at this time.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact law enforcement as the investigation continues.
