Des Moines Woman Dies After Being Struck By SUV While Crossing Street (Updated)

DES MOINES, IA. -- Des Moines police say a 16-year-old driver was behind the wheel of an SUV that hit and killed a Des Moines woman Friday afternoon as she walked across a street. The accident occurred in the 4000 block of University Avenue shortly before 1:30 p.m.

The woman, who was not initially identified pending notification of the family, was taken to Iowa Methodist Medical Center, where she later died. On Saturday police identified the victim as Peggy Bragg, 58, of Des Moines.

Police said in a news release that they believe speed was a factor in the crash, but the incident remains under investigation.

Witnesses and police said the woman was struck by an eastbound SUV while she was walking across University. One witness told WHO-TV that she heard tires skidding after seeing a vehicle in which the male driver “came flying like a bat out of hell.”

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“I didn't hear the impact but when I got over here I seen her body stretched out,” Alisha Bush told the TV station. “She wasn't breathing and she was faced down. Her pants were around her ankles and her shoes were clear on the other side of the street.”

The accident closed University Avenue to traffic for approximately two hours while police investigated.

Police said evidence at the scene, along with witness statements, indicate excessive speed may have contributed to the crash. The case remains under investigation.

The driver, also of Des Moines, has not yet been identified.

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