Police have identified the woman killed in a downtown New Haven pedestrian crash early Saturday morning as 56-year-old Mary Claire Hartman, a local resident whose life was tragically cut short in the heart of the city she called home.

The fatal incident occurred shortly after midnight, at approximately 12:02 a.m., near the intersection of Chapel Street and Temple Street, a busy pedestrian area. Responding officers discovered Hartman lying in the roadway with critical injuries. She was rushed to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where she later died despite emergency efforts.

Investigators say the driver of the vehicle involved stayed at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Surveillance footage indicates the car was traveling westbound on Chapel Street when it allegedly ran a red light and struck Hartman as she was crossing the street.

No immediate arrests were made, but officials confirmed charges may be filed pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The New Haven Police Crash Reconstruction Team has been tasked with gathering evidence, including video footage, to determine the full sequence of events.

Police are urging anyone with information, cell phone video, or dashcam footage of the collision to contact detectives at 203-946-6304 or provide anonymous tips at 866-888-8477.

Hartman’s sudden passing has left the community grieving and has drawn renewed attention to the dangers faced by pedestrians in urban areas. Authorities stressed the importance of vigilance at high-traffic intersections and warned that reckless actions, such as running a red light, can have irreversible and deadly consequences.

As the investigation continues, Hartman’s family and neighbors are left mourning the loss of a woman remembered for her presence in the New Haven community, while officials work to determine whether the driver will face criminal charges.