Miami Family Seeks Justice After Hit-and-Run Death of Beloved Great-Grandmother

Northwest Seventh Avenue, near 60th Street, Miami, USA - A tragic incident unfolded in Miami on June 10, 2025, when a beloved 76-year-old great-grandmother, Koritza Ortiz, lost her life in a hit-and-run accident. The heartbreaking event took place in the Liberty City neighborhood shortly before 8:10 a.m. Fire rescue personnel pronounced Ortiz dead at the scene, leaving her family and community in profound grief. Officer Kiara Delva confirmed that Ortiz was attempting to cross Northwest Seventh Avenue near 60th Street when she was struck by a vehicle that fled the location.

According to her son, Daniel Garcia Ortiz, his mother was en route to buy something as simple yet precious as lemons, a detail that underscores the mundanity of daily errands cut short by tragedy. Now, the family is calling on the public for assistance as detectives work tirelessly to gather information about the case. Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers have provided a hotline number, 305-471-8477, for anyone with tips on the driver’s identity or whereabouts.

Rising Concerns Over Pedestrian Safety

This incident highlights a worrying trend in pedestrian safety in the United States. In 2022, over 8,000 pedestrians lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes, an alarming statistic that works out to a fatality every 64 minutes, according to the CDC. These deaths accounted for a staggering one in five of all crash fatalities that year. With the numbers climbing, it begs the question: what can be done to enhance safety for pedestrians like Ortiz?

This is a reality echoed by data from BrightFleet, which noted a significant increase in pedestrian deaths over the years. In 2016 alone, there were 5,987 pedestrian fatalities—a 9% rise from the previous year, marking the highest numbers recorded since 1990. Most poignant is the fact that one in five pedestrian fatalities were attributed to hit-and-run drivers. Such statistics place an urgent spotlight on the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures on our roads.

Understanding the Risks

Various factors contribute to pedestrian accidents. Research indicates that speed, location, and alcohol are major risk factors. In urban areas, where Ortiz’s tragedy unfolded, the dangers are magnified. Roads with higher speed limits, such as those with 45-55 mph restrictions, see elevated pedestrian casualty rates, especially when commercial spaces line the roadways. SUVs, due to their larger size and weight, pose additional risks, particularly to vulnerable pedestrians like older adults who accounted for 22% of pedestrian deaths in 2022.

To boost pedestrian safety, recommendations include implementing community coalitions that prioritize safety, promoting reduced speeds, and incorporating better lighting and sidewalks into road designs. It’s something worth considering as we reflect on incidents like Koritza Ortiz’s tragic death.

As her family mourns, the need for community vigilance and concerted efforts to make our streets safer for everyone couldn’t be clearer. Let’s hope no more families have to endure the heartache that comes with losing a loved one through such senseless means.