Driver in Fatal Hit-and-Run Linked to Earlier Street Racing Crash

A driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a pedestrian and left her impaled on the fence of St. Michael’s Cemetery in Springfield also struck another car during a street race earlier the same day, authorities revealed.

According to the Springfield Police Department, the horrific incident took place on Monday evening when the driver, 18-year-old Nathan Colon, was street racing at dangerous speeds. Tragically, 36-year-old Kristine Andrews became the victim of this reckless driving, losing her life at the scene.

“There are unavoidable accidents that happen on our roadways,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni during a press conference on Thursday. “However, this situation was not an accident.”

At approximately 7:24 p.m., officers responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck near the intersection of Boston Road and Berkshire Avenue. Andrews, the victim, was hit with such force that she was thrown onto the cemetery fence. Despite emergency responders’ efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities also revealed that earlier that same day, Colon had been involved in another hit-and-run incident. While street racing that morning, Colon collided with another vehicle but fled the scene. According to Springfield Police Captain Julio Toledo, Colon had previously been cited for speeding on at least three occasions. The morning crash had been witnessed by officers, further demonstrating a pattern of reckless behavior.

Multiple witnesses reported seeing two vehicles speeding down Boston Road at over 70 miles per hour. It is believed that Colon and the other driver were engaged in street racing, traveling side by side for nearly two miles at dangerous speeds, said District Attorney Gulluni. Investigators are still working to identify and locate the second vehicle involved in the race.

Colon was arrested at his family’s home shortly after the fatal incident. He is now facing charges of leaving the scene of personal injury resulting in death and motor vehicle homicide through the reckless operation. Gulluni also revealed that another pedestrian had been with Andrews at the time of the crash but managed to avoid injury.

The preliminary investigation has confirmed that street racing played a significant role in this tragedy. “Street racing has become a widespread problem in Springfield,” Gulluni said, noting that in 2024 alone, Hampden County has seen 36 fatal crashes. “This is a tragic situation. A woman has lost her life, and a young man has destroyed his future because of reckless decisions.”

The Type of Compensation Available to the Victim’s Family

For the family of Kristine Andrews, the tragedy is compounded by the need to seek justice and financial compensation for their immense loss. In cases like this, families may be entitled to wrongful death compensation. This could include reimbursement for medical and funeral expenses, compensation for the loss of companionship, and in some cases, punitive damages designed to hold the reckless driver accountable for their dangerous actions.

At Dane Shulman Law Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping families of car accident victims navigate the complex legal process of pursuing compensation. Our experienced attorneys specialize in wrongful death cases and have a deep understanding of Massachusetts law. We work tirelessly to ensure that the families of victims receive the compensation they deserve while holding the responsible parties accountable.

We understand that no amount of money can bring back a loved one, but our team can provide legal support during this difficult time, ensuring justice is served. If your family has been affected by a tragic accident, we are here to help. Call us today to discuss your case.

Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Dane Shulman Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.

The map below shows the intersection of Boston Road and Berkshire Avenue where the tragic accident happened