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 are still seeking answers.

By Ronni Newton

Saturday marked three years 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 West Hartford Police marked the date along with a reminder that there is still a $26,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.

The hit and run incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2022, and took the life of Yurovsky. West Hartford Rotary pledged 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 2023 that an extra $25,000 was authorized, bringing the total reward to $26,000.

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. Police said their initial investigation suggests the vehicle involved was a white or light-colored 2010-2015 GMC-type vehicle.

When the reward was announced in July 2023, West Hartford Police Chief Vernon Riddick said that Yurovsky is not just a photo on a poster. Her husband passed away about 10 years earlier, and police do not know of any surviving family. “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 on the one-year anniversary of the incident.

In a period of eight days in December 2022, 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.

Three years later, implementation of the Vision Zero Action Plan is well underway, with many safety measures installed in 2025. Throughout town there are now many raised crosswalks, curb extensions, and rectangular rapid flashing beacons – including on Boulevard where Yurovsky was killed.

Raised crosswalk being installed on Boulevard at Whiting Lane in July 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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