On Dec. 20, 2022, 89-year-old West Hartford resident Eugenia Yurovsky was killed in a hit and run incident near the intersection of Boulevard and Whiting Lane, and police continue to investigate.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police acknowledged Wednesday that it has been a year since 89-year-old Eugenia Yurovsky was struck and killed while crossing the street with her walker at the intersection of Boulevard and Whiting Lane, and along with marking the date police vowed to continue to investigate this case.

Police said they continue to actively search for the suspect or suspects involved in a hit and run incident which occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2022, and which took the life of Yurovsky. They continue to ask for the public’s help in solving the case, and reiterated Wednesday that there remains a sizable reward available to offer the public for information leading to the “arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this crime.”

West Hartford Rotary was already providing a $1,000 reward, and the state, with the approval of Gov. Ned Lamont and the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney announced in July that an extra $25,000 has been authorized, bringing the total reward to $26,000.

In a statement Wednesday, police said “investigative measures thus far include but are not limited to: knocking on doors, scouring hours of video footage, visiting body and auto shops, and speaking with various witnesses/neighbors/businesses. We believe that the vehicle we are looking for is a 2010-2015 GMC type vehicle with front left driver side damage to the bumper and/or hood area. Anyone with information is asked to please come forward.”

GMC Terrain. Courtesy of West Hartford Police (we-ha.com file photo)

At a press conference in July, West Hartford Police Chief Vernon Riddick issued an impassioned plea for information, and said police “will continue to pursue to the ends of the earth to bring this individual to justice.”

Yurovksy, originally an immigrant from Russia, was living in a senior housing complex on Farmington Avenue and Whiting Lane, and was using her walker as she crossed Boulevard at Whiting Lane when she was fatally struck by a driver who then fled the scene.

Riddick said in July that Yurovsky is not just a photo on a poster. Her husband passed away about 10 years ago, he said, and police do not know of any surviving family.

Eugenia Yurovsky. Courtesy of West Hartford Police (we-ha.com file photo)

“We will not stop investigating and will continue to pursue all leads to bring justice to Eugenia, and may her soul rest in peace,” police said Wednesday. “If you know something please call us, don’t let this weigh on your conscious this holiday season.”

In a period of eight days in December, five people, including Yurovsky, died in West Hartford as a result of motor vehicle-related incidents, and overall there were six traffic-related deaths in 2022. Although some of the work was already in progress, town leaders announced specific plans to create a task force and launch the Vision Zero initiative in response to the string of tragic events that took place in late 2022.

The draft of the Vision Zero Action Plan was released in early December, and Town Manager Rick Ledwith said Wednesday that he expects the plan to be rolled out in early 2024. The goal of Vision Zero is to have zero deaths and zero serious injuries as a result of traffic crashes within 10 years.

West Hartford Police ask that anyone who has information regarding this incident contact West Hartford Police via the routine line 860-523-5203, the Traffic Division at 860-570-8850, or the anonymous tip line 860-570-8969, or by email at [email protected].

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.