The NOPD is investigating a fatal vehicle crash that occurred Sunday night, July 14, 2019, at the intersection of North Claiborne and Esplanade avenues.

At about 10:55 p.m., First District officers responded to a call of a hit and run vehicle crash with injury involving a pedestrian being struck at the location. Upon arrival, officers discovered an unresponsive 58-year-old male victim lying by the sidewalk on North Claiborne Avenue. The victim was suffering from apparent injuries sustained after he was struck. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Based on preliminary investigation, the male pedestrian was attempting to cross North Claiborne Avenue when he was struck by an unknown type SUV driven by an unidentified driver who was traveling westbound on North Claiborne Avenue. The vehicle initially came to a stop after the crash, then after fled the scene.  

No further information is available at this time. Investigators are currently in the process of gathering evidence and information to identify the person(s) responsible in this incident. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office will determine official cause of death and release the victim's name, upon completion of autopsy and notification of family.

Traffic Fatality Investigator Edgar Edwards is in charge of the ongoing investigation and can be reached at 504-658-6205 with any information regarding this incident. Anyone with information on this incident can also call anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.

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