Madison Gerhard Accident, What Happened to Madison Gerhard?
by Janani
Updated Jul 12, 2023
Madison Gerhard Accident
In the early hours of July 8, 2023, Saturday morning, a tragic incident unfolded in West Palm Beach, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old woman who was struck by a van while crossing the road. The driver responsible for the collision initially fled the scene; however, the West Palm Beach Police Department was able to locate and apprehend him shortly thereafter.
The victim, identified as Madison Gerhard from Palm Beach, was crossing 45th Street near Interstate 95 when the westbound van collided with her shortly before 5 a.m. The impact of the collision forcefully propelled Gerhard approximately 50 feet, tragically resulting in her immediate death, according to a spokesperson from the West Palm Beach Police Department.
Traffic homicide investigators revealed that at the time of the crash, the 56-year-old driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, was traveling at approximately 55 mph. He left the scene before first responders arrived, leaving behind a scene of devastation.
Law enforcement authorities closed off 45th Street for a period of four hours as they meticulously collected evidence from the crash site. Among the pieces of evidence obtained was a broken-off piece of equipment that ultimately led investigators to the driver's 1997 Chevrolet Astro van. The van was discovered parked in the backyard of a residence in West Palm Beach early Saturday afternoon.
Accompanied by the owner of the van, investigators brought the vehicle to police headquarters. During questioning, the owner admitted to driving the van and colliding with "something significant" before fleeing the scene. Officers have collected DNA samples from the van and are awaiting the results of analysis. Pending the outcome of further investigation, criminal charges against the driver are expected.
What Happened to Madison Gerhard?
New information has emerged regarding a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a 23-year-old pedestrian. The accident occurred in West Palm Beach just before 5 a.m. on July 8, 2023, Saturday. Madison Gerhard, a resident of Palm Beach, was crossing 45th Street, west of I-95, from south to north when she was struck by a westbound driver.
Tragically, Gerhard was propelled approximately 50 feet into the air and landed in the outer right turn lane near a RaceTrac gas station. She sustained fatal injuries upon impact, as confirmed by the West Palm Beach Police Department.
The driver involved in the hit-and-run was reportedly traveling at a speed of 55 miles per hour when the collision occurred, according to Traffic Homicide Investigators. The incident was initially reported by CBS12 News after the West Palm Beach Police Department tweeted about the closure of westbound 45th Street from I-95. The road was reopened later that same day, around 9:40 a.m.
Fortunately, the police were able to locate both the driver and the van involved in the incident by Saturday afternoon. Investigators collected evidence, including a front right corner marker light, which aided in identifying the vehicle as a 1997 Chevrolet Astro van. The van was discovered parked in a concealed fenced backyard of a residential property.
The investigation into this tragic hit-and-run is ongoing, and law enforcement authorities are diligently working to bring justice to Madison Gerhard and her grieving family.
Who was Madison Gerhard?
Madison Gerhard, a 23-year-old woman, tragically lost her life in a car accident in West Palm Beach. Her family is grieving the loss of their beloved daughter and sister. Madison's mother, Kristen Gerhard, described her as beautiful, kind, and gentle, emphasizing that she would never harm anyone.
The family shared that Madison was passionate about mental health advocacy and was pursuing a real estate degree while completing her psychology degree at Florida State University.
Madison's father, Peter Gerhard, highlighted her caring nature, athleticism, compassion, and love for friends, family, and animals. Originally from New Jersey, Madison was an enthusiastic athlete, enjoying sports like soccer, cheerleading, lacrosse, and snow skiing. After moving to Palm Beach around four years ago, she developed a love for water skiing and cherished the beach, sunsets, and sunrises.
Being the youngest of two children, Madison was known for her loving and kind-hearted nature. Her older brother, Peter Gerhard II, described her as a unique individual who always prioritized others and was willing to help anyone in need. Madison had a deep passion for animals and occasionally volunteered at Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
The family chose not to discuss the details of the night Madison lost her life. They are mourning their loss and remembering Madison for the remarkable person she was.
According to information available on Madison Gerhard's LinkedIn page, she was originally from New Jersey and pursued a psychology degree at Florida State University. The community mourns the loss of a young life, and authorities are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served in this tragic incident.
Madison Gerhard Cause of Death
Madison Gerhard, a resident of Palm Beach, tragically lost her life in a devastating accident. The accident was the immediate cause of Madison Gerhard's death. The incident occurred when she was crossing 45th Street near Interstate 95. A westbound van collided with her with great force shortly before 5 a.m.
The impact of the collision was so severe that it forcefully propelled Gerhard approximately 50 feet, leading to her immediate and tragic death. The West Palm Beach Police Department has confirmed these details, according to a spokesperson.
Madison Gerhard Accident - FAQ
According to reports, the incident occurred in West Palm Beach just before 5 a.m. on July 8, 2023, Saturday.
In the early hours of July 8, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in West Palm Beach, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old woman who was struck by a van while crossing the road.
The victim was identified as Madison Gerhard, a 23-year-old woman from Palm Beach.
Madison Gerhard was crossing 45th Street near Interstate 95 when a westbound van collided with her. The impact of the collision propelled her approximately 50 feet, resulting in her immediate death.
After the driver responsible for the collision initially fled the scene, the West Palm Beach Police Department located and apprehended him shortly thereafter. They closed off 45th Street for four hours to collect evidence from the crash site.