PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — A devastating hit-and-run crash claimed the life of 55-year-old Tara Carter, a beloved Lanham resident, on Thursday evening in New Carrollton. The incident occurred just before 8 p.m. in the 8400 block of Annapolis Road, a busy thoroughfare in Prince George’s County.
According to the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD), Carter was cycling along Annapolis Road when she was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound. The driver fled the scene immediately after the collision, leaving Carter critically injured. Emergency responders rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries despite medical efforts. The sudden loss of Carter, described by neighbors as a kind and active member of the Lanham community, has left those who knew her in mourning.
The PGPD’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is actively investigating the incident. With the help of a witness who provided a description of the vehicle and surveillance footage from nearby businesses, authorities were able to locate the suspected driver shortly after the crash. While the driver’s identity and specific vehicle details have not been disclosed, the police are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision to determine if charges will be filed.
Investigators are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at 301-731-4422. The PGPD emphasizes that community cooperation is critical in ensuring accountability for hit-and-run cases and delivering justice for victims.
Carter’s death has reignited concerns about the safety of cyclists and pedestrians on Prince George’s County’s high-traffic roadways. Annapolis Road, identified as one of the county’s most dangerous corridors, has been the site of multiple fatal crashes in recent years. The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for improved infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes, and greater driver awareness to protect vulnerable road users.
Friends and neighbors remember Carter as a warm and friendly individual who frequently rode her bicycle through the community, often stopping to share a smile or kind word. Her death serves as a stark reminder of the risks cyclists face and the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.
As the investigation continues, authorities are reminding drivers of their legal and moral responsibility to remain at the scene of a crash. Fleeing an accident is not only a criminal offense but can also have devastating consequences for victims who rely on immediate assistance. The loss of Tara Carter underscores the critical need for safer streets, heightened vigilance, and a collective commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future.
