Rosa Cabezas Obituary, Death – A woman lost her life Friday morning after being struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in Northwest Washington, D.C., authorities confirmed. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said the deadly crash happened just before 9 a.m. at the busy intersection of 13th Street and Harvard Street, NW.
Responding officers arrived to find a pedestrian unconscious and not breathing. She was later identified as 61-year-old Rosa Cabezas of Southeast D.C. Emergency medical teams attempted life-saving measures at the scene before transporting her to a local hospital. Despite efforts, Cabezas was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Investigators with MPD’s Major Crash Unit have since been working to piece together the events leading up to the accident. According to the preliminary findings, Cabezas had been crossing 13th Street when she was struck by a Toyota Rav4 that was making a right turn. Police noted that the driver of the SUV remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. No immediate charges were announced as the investigation is ongoing.
The crash highlights the risks faced by pedestrians in busy urban areas, particularly at intersections where vehicle and foot traffic often converge. Police did not immediately say whether Cabezas was in a marked crosswalk at the time or if factors such as driver distraction, speed, or visibility contributed to the collision. Those details are expected to be clarified as the investigation continues.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information about the crash to come forward. Community members can contact police directly at (202) 727-9099 or provide tips anonymously by texting 50411. Investigators hope that eyewitness accounts or additional video footage from the area may help shed light on exactly how the crash unfolded.
Cabezas’ death adds to a troubling pattern of pedestrian fatalities in the District, where safety advocates have long called for stronger measures to protect those walking in the city. Traffic-related deaths have drawn concern in recent years, especially as the city works toward its Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities. Intersections such as 13th and Harvard are often flagged as high-risk due to their heavy flow of cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Residents in the area expressed sadness at the news, with some noting that drivers frequently rush through turns at that intersection. Pedestrian advocates continue to push for improved crosswalk visibility, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and infrastructure changes that could reduce the risk of similar tragedies.
As the investigation moves forward, police will determine whether the driver of the Toyota Rav4 may face charges. For now, officials emphasize the importance of both drivers and pedestrians exercising caution on the roads to prevent further loss of life.
