Hit-and-run fatality in Chalmette

Woman found dead off West St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette was a hit-and-run victim; Anyone with information should call State Police Troop B at 504-471-2775 or SBSO at 504-271-2501

A 54-year-old woman pedestrian was a hit-and-run victim in Chalmette Sunday morning – found dead about 5:30 a.m. off the west-bound shoulder of West St. Bernard Highway near Madison Drive and authorities are seeking information about the driver who struck her.

The victim, who was found by a passing bicyclist, has been identified and she had a Chalmette address but her name hasn’t been released pending notification to relatives.

Anyone with information about the driver or vehicle should call State Police Troop B at 504-471-2775 or the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office at 504-271-2501.

Debris from the vehicle which struck her was located and it is believed the incident likely happened after midnight, possibly in foggy conditions, officials said.

State Police Troop B and St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s deputies were on the scene immediately after the woman was found just off the shoulder of the road. The west-bound lanes of West St. Bernard Highway have been closed for several blocks near the scene and traffic is being re-routed.

Sheriff’s deputies initially went to the scene but no witnesses to the incident were located and there isn’t a description of a vehicle involved at this time, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

State Police Troop B will be handling the investigation.