Authorities in Jacksonville are working to piece together the events that led to a devastating incident late Wednesday afternoon, leaving a 36-year-old woman dead after being struck by two separate vehicles. The tragedy unfolded along the 5000 block of South Highway 161, a busy stretch of road often crowded during early evening hours. Police say the investigation is still in its early stages as they attempt to understand how the fatal sequence occurred.
According to Jacksonville Police, the call came in around 5:50 p.m., reporting that a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle. Officers and medics rushed to the scene, where they found the victim, identified as Alyssa Gibson, lying in the roadway with severe injuries. Despite immediate efforts by first responders, Gibson was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators soon learned that she had been struck not once, but twice, by two different vehicles.
Officials say Gibson was on or near the roadway when the first vehicle hit her. Moments later, a second vehicle traveling through the area also struck her. Police have not yet released the identities of either driver, nor have they provided details about the vehicles involved. As of now, no charges have been filed, and authorities emphasized that it is standard procedure to gather all available evidence before determining any next steps.
Investigators are reviewing several factors that could have contributed to the crash, including lighting conditions, driver visibility, speed, and roadway layout. The incident occurred during early evening hours, a time when fading daylight can make it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Officers will also examine the possibility of distraction, impairment, or environmental conditions playing a role. Witness statements and any available surveillance footage will be crucial in reconstructing what happened.
Reconstruction specialists may be brought in to help determine the angle of impact, the speed of the vehicles, and the exact sequence of events. Their findings will help police understand how Gibson came to be struck twice and whether any charges or citations might be appropriate. The process may take several days or even weeks as officers carefully review each piece of evidence.
South Highway 161 is known for steady traffic flow, and community members have previously raised concerns about limited pedestrian crossings and poor visibility at certain points along the road. Police may also review whether the area has a history of similar pedestrian incidents and whether additional safety measures could help prevent future tragedies.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward, as even small details may help clarify the chain of events. For now, the investigation remains active, and more information is expected once officials complete their review. The death of Alyssa Gibson stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers pedestrians face along high-traffic roadways and the need for continued caution from both drivers and those on foot.
