Madison Gerhard Crash: 23-year-old Palm Beach woman Madison Gerhard tragically passed away in a hit-and-run crash on July 8, 2023.
Madison Gerhard accident
In the early morning hours of July 8, 2023, Saturday morning, a tragic incident occurred in West Palm Beach, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old woman who was struck by a van while crossing the road. The driver who caused the crash first fled the scene; however, the West Palm Beach Police Department was able to locate and arrest him shortly thereafter.
The victim, identified as Madison Gerhard of Palm Beach, was crossing 45th Street near Interstate 95 when a westbound van collided with her just before 5 a.m. The impact of the crash threw Gerhard roughly 50 feet, tragically resulting in her instant death, according to a West Palm Beach police spokesman.
Traffic homicide investigators found that the 56-year-old driver, whose identity has not been released, was traveling approximately 55 mph at the time of the crash. He left the scene before the first ambulance arrived, leaving a scene of destruction in his wake.
Law enforcement shut down 45th Street for four hours while they painstakingly collected evidence from the crash scene. Among the evidence collected was a broken piece of equipment that eventually led investigators to the driver’s 1997 Chevrolet Astro van. The van was discovered parked in the yard of a West Palm Beach home early Saturday afternoon.
The investigators, accompanied by the owner of the van, brought the vehicle to the police department. During questioning, the owner admitted he was driving the van and collided with “something significant” before fleeing the scene. The officers collected DNA samples from the van and are awaiting the results of the analysis. Pending the outcome of the further investigation, criminal charges against the driver are expected.
What happened to Madison Gerhard?
New information has emerged related to the tragic accident in which a 23-year-old pedestrian lost her life. The accident happened in West Palm Beach shortly before 5 a.m. on July 8, 2023, Saturday. Palm Beach resident Madison Gerhard was crossing 45th Street, west of I-95, from south to north when she was struck by a westbound driver.
Tragically, Gerhard was thrown approximately 50 feet into the air and landed in the outside right turn lane near the RaceTrac gas station. She suffered fatal injuries on impact, the West Palm Beach Police Department confirmed.
The driver involved in the hit-and-run was reportedly going 55 miles per hour when the crash occurred, according to Traffic Homicide investigators. The incident was originally reported by CBS12 News after the West Palm Beach Police Department tweeted about the closure of westbound 45th Street from I-95. The road was reopened later the same day, around 9:40 a.m
Fortunately, the police managed to locate both the driver and the van involved in the incident by Saturday afternoon. Investigators collected evidence, including a front right corner light that helped identify the vehicle as a 1997 Chevrolet Astro van. The van was found parked in the hidden fenced yard of the residential building.
The investigation into this tragic hit and run is ongoing and law enforcement is working diligently to bring justice to Madison Gerhard and her grieving family.
Who was Madison Gerhard?
Madison Gerhard, 23 years old, tragically lost her life in a car accident in West Palm Beach. Her family is grieving the loss of their beloved daughter and sister. Madison’s mother, Kristen Gerhard, described her as beautiful, kind and gentle, noting that she would never harm anyone.
The family said Madison was passionate about mental health advocacy and studied real estate while completing her psychology degree at Florida State University.
Madison’s father, Peter Gerhard, highlighted her caring nature, athletic spirit, compassion and love for friends, family and animals. Originally from New Jersey, Madison was an avid athlete, enjoying sports such as soccer, cheerleading, lacrosse and snow skiing. After moving to Palm Beach about four years ago, she developed a love for water skiing and loved the beach, sunsets and sunrises.
Being the youngest of two children, Madison was known for her loving and kind-hearted nature. Her older brother, Peter Gerhard II, described her as a unique person who always put others first and was willing to help anyone in need. Madison had a deep passion for animals and occasionally volunteered at Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
The family has chosen not to discuss the details of the night Madison lost her life. They mourn their loss and remember Madison for the extraordinary person she was.
According to information available on Madison Gerhard’s LinkedIn page, she was from New Jersey and majored in psychology at Florida State University. The community is mourning the loss of a young life and authorities are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served in this tragic incident.
Cause of death Madison Gerhard
Palm Beach resident Madison Gerhard tragically lost her life in a devastating accident. The accident was the immediate cause of Madison Gerhard’s death. The incident occurred when she was crossing 45th Street near Interstate 95. A westbound van collided with her with high force shortly before 5 a.m.
The impact of the crash was so strong that it threw Gerhard roughly 50 feet, causing her instant and tragic death. The West Palm Beach Police Department confirmed these details, according to a spokesperson.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education