Modesto, CA (April 7, 2026) – A 79-year-old Modesto woman was killed Tuesday night in a hit-and-run crash near the intersection of Claribel Road and Langworth Road, according to authorities.
Accident Details: The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 79-year-old Peggy Holt of Modesto.
The collision was reported at about 9 p.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, Holt was hit by a vehicle and died at the scene from her injuries. The driver did not stop and left the area after the collision.
Investigators later identified a white Ford F-150—believed to be a 2009 to 2014 model—as a possible vehicle involved in the crash, based on evidence collected at the scene. CHP noted the vehicle should have damage to its right front, including the headlight assembly, right front bumper, hood, and fender.
Investigation: Authorities located a vehicle matching that description the following day, and a 19-year-old man from Riverbank was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run.
Officials have asked anyone with information about the crash to come forward.
Investigators will likely focus on reconstructing the sequence of events and the collision site.
That process may include examining the truck’s damage, reviewing available surveillance footage, and analyzing physical evidence from the roadway to determine the point of impact.
Investigators may also evaluate visibility conditions, lighting, and whether Holt was in or near a crosswalk at the time she was struck.
Because the driver initially fled the scene, investigators may also examine what happened in the moments immediately after the crash. Early evidence collection, including vehicle damage and witness accounts, often plays a key role in understanding the full sequence of events and clarifying timelines.
Legal Considerations: Fatal pedestrian hit-and-run crashes often raise serious questions about civil liability. If the evidence shows that the driver failed to operate the vehicle safely, violated a traffic law, or left the scene after the collision, Peggy Holt’s family may have the possibility to pursue a wrongful death claim.
The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to hold the responsible party accountable and address the losses families suffer from the death of their loved one. This may include compensation for funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support, and the loss of guidance, care, and companionship.
My deepest condolences go out to Peggy Holt’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.