ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Police are appealing to the public for assistance in locating the driver of a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run that claimed the life of a woman in Santa Cruz on Sunday morning.
The victim has been identified as 48-year-old Althea Gayle, a street sweeper from Santa Cruz.
According to reports, Gayle was walking along Park Main Road on her way to church around 6:30 a.m. when she was struck by a vehicle. The driver fled the scene, leaving Gayle to succumb to her injuries on the spot.
Gene Hylton, a relative of the deceased, recounted hearing the sound of the collision but was devastated to learn that Gayle was the victim. “We didn’t know that it was Althea, we own Althea… I don’t know which one of them hit her,” she said, struggling to hold back tears.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident or the driver to contact the Santa Cruz Police at 876-966-2289, Crime Stop at 311, or the nearest police station.
The community of Santa Cruz has been left shaken by the tragedy, with residents expressing outrage at the driver’s failure to stop and offer assistance. Authorities are reminding motorists of their legal and moral obligations to stop and render aid in the event of an accident.
Investigations are ongoing.

