A 24-year-old woman has died following a hit-and-run collision in North Belfast in the early hours of Thursday, July 16, 2026. The victim has been identified as Raven Adams, originally from the Tipperary area of the Republic of Ireland. She was pronounced dead at the scene on York Street.
Incident Details
Police received a report at approximately 2:40 AM of a single-vehicle collision involving two pedestrians. The driver of the vehicle, a 22-year-old man from Northern Ireland, fled the scene but was later arrested by officers in the nearby Cavehill area. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.
A 22-year-old man who was also struck suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. The road has since fully reopened after earlier closures.
Police Appeal
Detective Inspector Stewart from the Police Service's Collision Investigation Unit stated: "We received a report at approximately 2.40am of a single-vehicle collision involving two pedestrians. It was reported the pedestrians were struck by a vehicle - the driver of which, a 22-year-old man, subsequently fled the scene, and was later arrested by officers in the nearby Cavehill area. He remains in police custody at this time as enquiries continue into the circumstances of what happened."
He added: "Officers attended the scene, alongside colleagues from other emergency services where medical treatment was provided to both pedestrians. Sadly, the female was pronounced deceased at the scene – while the man has been taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries."
Police are urging anyone with information or dash-cam footage to contact them via the witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals quoting reference 181 16/07/26, or call 101.
Community Reaction
Local DUP MLA Phillip Brett expressed his deep sadness: "My heartfelt condolences are with Raven's family, friends and loved ones as they come to terms with this devastating loss. I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has dash cam, CCTV or any other information that could assist the investigation, to contact the PSNI on 101, quoting reference 181 of 16 July 2026. Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital."
Brett also paid tribute to emergency responders: "I want to pay tribute to the police, ambulance service and all of the emergency responders who attended the scene and dealt with the most difficult of circumstances. My thoughts and prayers remain with everyone impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy."
