SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Authorities have released new details in a tragic hit-and-run that claimed the life of a Springfield woman late last week, as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident.
Springfield Police responded Friday to the intersection of State and Federal Streets after receiving reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers discovered an unresponsive woman suffering from severe injuries. She was later identified as 58-year-old Sylvia Gladden, a Springfield resident.
Gladden was rushed to Baystate Medical Center, but despite emergency efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.
According to Payton North, spokesperson for the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, the driver responsible for the collision fled the scene before first responders arrived. Investigators quickly turned to traffic-camera footage and other surveillance sources, which played a critical role in identifying both the vehicle and its operator.
By Monday, authorities announced that the suspected driver, 27-year-old Janel Wedley, also of Springfield, had surrendered to police. The vehicle believed to be involved in the fatal collision has been recovered as evidence.
Wedley is facing a felony charge of leaving the scene of personal injury resulting in death, a serious offense under Massachusetts law. She is expected to be arraigned as the investigation progresses.
Officials emphasize that the case remains active and ongoing, with detectives working to determine what led up to the crash and why the driver fled.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Springfield Police as the community mourns the loss of a woman whose life ended abruptly and tragically on a busy city street.