Tragedy Strikes as Daughter of Delaware County Police Officer Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The daughter of a Delaware County police officer was tragically struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash in Philadelphia on Saturday. The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. at the intersection of 84th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard in Southwest Philadelphia.
According to officials, a Honda traveling south on 84th Street collided with a pedestrian who was crossing westbound on Lindbergh Boulevard. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene, leaving the victim behind. The car involved in the incident has been identified as a 2023 Honda Accord with New York license plates reading LDM-2367. Although the vehicle has been recovered and towed by the police, the driver remains at large.
Tragically, medics pronounced the pedestrian, identified as 27-year-old Ashley Gaylor-McLean from Glenolden, Delaware County, dead at the scene of the crash. McLean was the daughter of a Folcroft police officer, who has served on the force for approximately 17 years.
According to Delaware County Fraternal Order of Police President Chris Eiserman, McLean was traveling home to Glenolden with friends when they made a stop in Southwest Philadelphia. For reasons yet unknown, she exited the vehicle she was in and stepped into a lane of traffic, where she was struck by the hit-and-run driver.
This devastating incident has taken a toll on both McLean’s family and the police department, who watched her grow up. Eiserman, a longtime friend of McLean’s mother, expressed the deep sorrow and distress felt by her loved ones. He emphasized the importance of supporting the grieving mother and family during this difficult time.
McLean leaves behind a family of her own, including two young daughters aged 2 and 7, as well as her fiancé. The Delaware County FOP Lodge 27 is offering a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the driver responsible for this tragic hit-and-run incident. Eiserman urged anyone with information to come forward, assuring them that the reward would be paid immediately upon providing a tip that leads to the identification of the suspected driver.
Law enforcement officials are determined to bring justice to McLean and her family. Eiserman stated that they will not rest until the driver is caught, emphasizing the importance of finding closure for the grieving family as soon as possible.
Anyone with information about the hit-and-run driver is urged to contact the police at 215-686-8477 (TIPS) or dial 911.
What steps are authorities taking to identify and apprehend the hit-and-run suspect responsible for Samantha Johnson’s death?
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Authorities were called to the scene and immediately began an investigation. The victim, later identified as 25-year-old Samantha Johnson, was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Samantha’s father, a police officer with the Delaware County Police Department, received the devastating news of his daughter’s death. The department expressed their condolences and offered support to the grieving family.
The hit-and-run incident has left the community in shock and mourning. Friends and loved ones have come together to remember Samantha as a vibrant and kind individual with a bright future. She was known for her passion for helping others and her dedication to making a difference.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the driver to come forward. They are also reviewing surveillance footage and conducting interviews in hopes of identifying and apprehending the suspect responsible for Samantha’s death.
Tragedies like these serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers that pedestrians face on the streets. Hit-and-run incidents not only rob families of their loved ones but also deny them the closure and justice they deserve.
The loss of Samantha Johnson is a devastating blow to her family, friends, and community. Thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of a beloved daughter, friend, and advocate. May Samantha’s memory live on and inspire others to strive for a safer and more compassionate world.
“My condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragedy. Heartbreaking news.”
I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and loss this family is experiencing. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.