Estelle Ford, 70, died after a vehicle struck her on Gideon Street in Shreveport and left before police arrived on September 7, 2026.
KSLA reported that Ford was found unresponsive beside the road in the Eden Gardens neighborhood. She was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead at approximately 4:40 p.m.
Police Have Not Released a Vehicle Description
Shreveport police responded at about 4:10 p.m. to the 7500 block of Gideon Street. The available report does not say whether Ford was walking along the road, crossing it or standing near a driveway when she was hit.
The driver and vehicle had not been identified. Police asked witnesses, residents and businesses to review security video and contact investigators.
The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office ordered an autopsy. That record may establish the medical cause of death and impact injuries, but it will not by itself identify the driver or explain the collision.
A Camera Does Not Have to Show the Impact to Be Useful
Video from Gideon Street or nearby roads may show a vehicle entering or leaving the neighborhood, capture a plate or document fresh damage. Several recordings can sometimes establish a route even when no single camera captured the collision.
Original files are more useful than a phone recording of a playback screen because they may preserve timestamps and image quality. Vehicle fragments, paint, glass or lighting pieces recovered from the scene may also narrow the make, model or damaged part.
If a vehicle is identified, police can compare its damage and electronic information with the physical evidence. Body-shop, towing and parts records may become important if repairs were sought shortly after the crash.
Uninsured-Motorist Coverage May Matter Before an Arrest
If the driver remains unknown, the family should review automobile policies connected to Ford and her household. Louisiana Revised Statute 22:1295 may provide uninsured-motorist coverage in some hit-and-run cases, depending on the policy, insured status and proof that an unidentified vehicle caused the death.
A civil insurance investigation does not need to accuse a particular person. It can proceed while police continue trying to identify the vehicle.
If the driver is later found, the coverage review should address the vehicle’s owner, the driver’s permitted use and every applicable liability policy.
Preserve the Video Search and Insurance Record
The family should obtain the Shreveport police incident number, preserve communications with investigators and insurers, and identify every potentially applicable automobile policy. Medical, coroner, funeral and household-support records should be kept together.
Anyone with information or video may contact Shreveport police at 318-673-7300 or Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373.
For help investigating insurance coverage after a fatal hit-and-run, contact Babcock Injury Lawyers.
Sources
- KSLA: Estelle Ford identified after Gideon Street hit-and-run
- La. R.S. 14:100: Hit-and-run driving
- La. R.S. 32:214: Drivers to exercise due care
- La. R.S. 22:1295: Uninsured motorist coverage
Editorial & Legal Accuracy Notice (Louisiana)
This article is based on the linked KSLA report attributing information to Shreveport police and the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office. The vehicle and driver had not been identified, and the source did not provide the autopsy findings or a final reconstruction. This article is general information, not advice about a particular claim.