NILES, Mich. — Police have identified the pedestrian who was killed in a crash early Tuesday morning in Niles. Authorities confirmed the victim as 56-year-old Namita Smadder, a local resident whose life was tragically cut short after being struck by a vehicle while crossing an intersection.
The fatal crash occurred just before 7 a.m. on September 16 at the intersection of Broadway Street and South Third Street. Investigators say Smadder had been attempting to cross South Third Street from the southwest corner when she was hit. At the same time, a 59-year-old man from Niles was driving eastbound on Broadway and attempted to make a right turn onto South Third. His vehicle struck Smadder as she crossed in the intersection.
The impact left Smadder with severe head injuries, according to police. First responders from the Niles Fire Department and the Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service arrived quickly and provided immediate medical assistance. Smadder was rushed to Corewell Health Lakeland Niles Hospital and later transferred to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. Despite doctors’ efforts, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Accident Reconstruction Unit has been brought in to investigate the circumstances of the collision. Detectives are analyzing factors such as vehicle positioning, driver behavior, and traffic flow at the time of the crash. No criminal charges or citations have been announced, and authorities emphasize that the case remains open as investigators continue reviewing evidence and speaking with witnesses.
Multiple agencies are assisting with the case, including Michigan State Police and local emergency responders who worked to secure the scene. Officials have not disclosed further details about the driver beyond his age and hometown, and it remains unclear whether he will face legal consequences. Authorities noted that weather and lighting conditions will also be reviewed to determine whether they contributed to the fatal outcome.
For the Niles community, the loss of Smadder is a sobering reminder of the risks pedestrians face on busy roadways. Police continue to urge drivers to exercise caution when turning at intersections and remind pedestrians to remain alert when crossing streets. Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact investigators as the search for answers—and accountability—moves forward.