Overview
- New Bedford resident Nicolassa Ventura Colaj, 33, was struck by an SUV just after midnight on Jan. 1 while leaving a church gathering on Acushnet Avenue and died at a hospital, according to prosecutors.
- The driver fled the scene, and authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or disclosed whether anyone is in custody.
- Police said the vehicle believed to be involved was identified, located, and seized, calling the recovery a critical breakthrough in the case.
- Officials have not released full details about the SUV or its owner as Massachusetts State Police and New Bedford police continue the investigation.
- Colaj, originally from Guatemala, worked at a local fish house and leaves behind three children, as community advocates organize fundraising for funeral costs and urge witnesses to come forward.