Woman Dies After New Year’s Hit-and-Run in New Bedford

Woman Struck and Killed in New Year's Day Collision

A 33-year-old woman, identified as Nicolassa Ventura Colaj, was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford, Massachusetts, just after midnight on New Year's Day.

According to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, the incident occurred early Thursday morning, shortly after New Year's Eve became New Year's Day, as Colaj was leaving a church gathering with her family. Quinn stated that Colaj was crossing the road when an SUV struck her and threw her an unknown distance. The driver of the SUV did not stop after the collision.

Emergency Response and Victim's Condition

A woman who requested not to be identified reported hearing screams from her home early Thursday morning and went to the scene. She said she observed that Colaj had a laceration to the head with visible bleeding. The witness also stated that while emergency responders were working on Colaj, she joined family members and others at the scene in prayer.

Colaj was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. She was pronounced dead a short time after arriving at the medical facility.

Ongoing Investigation

Massachusetts State Police, New Bedford police, and the Bristol County District Attorney's Office are investigating the fatal hit-and-run on Acushnet Avenue. Authorities have not released any information about the driver of the SUV or a description of the vehicle involved.

Community Response

Adrian Ventura, executive director of Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores, an organization that supports immigrant workers, stated that he knew Colaj. He said that her family and husband are distraught and that they want justice for her.

Location Context

The incident took place in New Bedford, a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, which has a population of about 100,000 people. New Bedford is located approximately 60 miles south of Boston, near the Rhode Island border.