YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) — The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is looking into a tragic incident that occurred early Saturday morning in a rural part of the county, where a pedestrian lost her life after a driver failed to stop at the scene. Authorities shared that the situation unfolded before dawn in an area southwest of Yuma, along a stretch of road near two well-traveled crossroads.
Investigators reported that the victim, later identified as 21-year-old Mariella Acosta, had been walking along the roadside when she was struck by a vehicle passing through the area. According to the sheriff’s office, the driver did not remain at the location, leaving investigators to determine exactly what happened and who may have been involved. Despite efforts by first responders, Acosta passed away at the scene. Her family has since been informed of her passing, and the community has begun to process the devastating news.
Officials have shared a general description of the vehicle they believe was involved. Based on early findings, the vehicle may have been a smaller model—possibly a sedan or compact coupe. It likely has noticeable damage on the front passenger side, particularly around the area near the headlight. While this information is limited, authorities are hoping it may help someone recognize a vehicle that has been recently damaged or repaired.
The sheriff’s office is now working diligently to reconstruct the events that led to the collision. Investigators are gathering available evidence, reviewing possible surveillance sources in the vicinity, and speaking with anyone who may have been traveling in the area during the early morning hours. Because the crash took place before sunrise, visibility was limited, which adds complexity to the investigation. Nevertheless, authorities remain committed to uncovering more details and identifying the responsible driver.
Hit-and-run cases often require extensive investigative work, and the sheriff’s office emphasized that patience and cooperation from the public are essential. They are encouraging anyone who noticed unusual activity, observed a vehicle with fresh front-end damage, or heard information connected to the incident to come forward through safe and official reporting channels. Even small details can sometimes help bring clarity to these types of cases.
The loss of a young life under such sudden and heartbreaking circumstances has deeply affected both the victim’s loved ones and the wider Yuma community. Acosta, who lived locally, is remembered by those close to her as a young woman with a promising future, making the news of her passing even more difficult to comprehend. Accidents like this highlight the importance of safe driving practices, especially during early morning hours when roads are dim, quieter, and unpredictable.
As the investigation moves forward, the sheriff’s office is committed to keeping the public informed when significant updates become available. Their goal is to bring answers to Acosta’s family and ensure that the circumstances surrounding her death are fully understood. They continue to ask community members to share information responsibly through official law-enforcement communication methods, without posting sensitive details on public social platforms, to protect both the investigation and community safety.
Although the driver involved left the scene, authorities remain hopeful that the combination of physical evidence, public support, and investigative work will eventually lead to meaningful progress. For now, they urge residents to remain aware, stay vigilant, and reach out through secure, verified channels if they have anything that may assist in bringing closure to this case.
