Toronto police say a pedestrian has died after she was hit by a car that allegedly fled the scene in the city’s northwest end on Thursday morning.
Emergency crews were called to Islington Avenue and Aviemore Drive, one block north of Finch Avenue, at around 6:32 a.m.
Police said the woman, who is in her 70s, had no vital signs when they arrived. Paramedics said they did not transport the woman to hospital.
Toronto Police Sgt. Jason Kraft said she was pronounced dead on scene.
Investigators said the driver involved did not remain at the scene. The suspect vehicle is described as a black SUV with front-end damage, particularly a headlight found at the scene. The vehicle was last seen travelling northbound on Finch Avenue.
“This is a fatal, fail-to-remain investigation,” Kraft said.
“The information that I have is the female in her 70s was crossing Islington Avenue from the east curb to the west curb. And at that location there are no pedestrian crossings or signalized intersections.”
Family and friends have identified the victim as 77-year-old Pasquina Lapadula.
Santino Lapadula said his aunt walked the area every morning for exercise. The nephew said he is upset and calls it “disgraceful” that the driver took off.
“It’s a shock to all of us … I hope they find the guy that did this or lady that did this. We are suffering,” Santino said.
Islington Avenue was closed in both directions at the intersection of Aviemore Drive as the collision reconstruction team gathers evidence from the scene.
Police are asking anyone with information, dashcam or security footage to contact investigators at 416-808-1900.
— With files from Catherine McDonald.
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