Namita Smadder Obituary, Death Cause – Police have released the identity of a pedestrian who was killed in a crash early Tuesday morning in Niles, Michigan. The victim has been identified as 56-year-old Namita Smadder of Niles, who tragically lost her life after being struck by a vehicle while crossing an intersection.

Authorities reported that the crash took place just before 7 a.m. on September 16 at the intersection of Broadway Street and South Third Street. According to investigators, Smadder had been attempting to cross South Third Street from the southwest corner when she was hit. At the same time, a 59-year-old Niles man driving a vehicle eastbound on Broadway made a right turn onto South Third, striking her as she crossed.

The impact left Smadder with severe head injuries, police said. First responders quickly arrived on the scene and provided immediate medical assistance. She was transported to Corewell Health Lakeland Niles Hospital, but due to the severity of her injuries, she was later transferred to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. Despite medical efforts, Smadder ultimately succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Accident Reconstruction Unit was brought in to aid in the investigation, working to carefully analyze the circumstances of the collision. Their role included reconstructing the scene to determine how the accident unfolded, assessing vehicle positioning, traffic flow, and the driver’s maneuver leading to the crash. At this stage, no criminal charges or citations have been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Alongside investigators, multiple emergency response agencies provided assistance at the scene. The Niles Fire Department, Michigan State Police, and the Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service were all involved in efforts to secure the intersection, provide aid, and ensure the safety of those in the area during the aftermath of the incident.

Authorities have not released further details about the driver, other than his age and hometown, and it remains unclear whether he will face any legal consequences related to the fatal crash. Officials emphasized that the case is still under review as they continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.

Fatal pedestrian crashes are a serious concern in Michigan and across the country, often highlighting the dangers at busy intersections where visibility, driver awareness, and timing play critical roles in safety. Police have not yet said whether weather or lighting conditions may have been a factor in Tuesday morning’s incident.

The loss of Smadder has left the Niles community grieving, as investigators continue to piece together what happened. Police are encouraging anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to come forward as they work toward determining whether this tragedy was the result of driver error, inattention, or other contributing factors.

At present, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks pedestrians face on roadways and the importance of vigilance for both drivers and those crossing busy streets.