71-Year-Old Woman Died After Being Hit By a Car in S. Portland

A pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle in South Portland on Christmas Eve.

Where Did This Happen?

South Portland Police say it was just after 5:00 Sunday evening when they received a report of a crash near Red's Dairy Freeze involving a pedestrian and a vehicle. When officers arrived, they found a South Portland woman badly injured. She was transported to Maine Medical Center where she later died.

Have Police Released the Name of the Deceased?

The woman has been identified as Paula McAuliffe, 71. South Portland Police Chief Dan Ahern said the timing of the crash made this fatality even more painful.

This would be a tragic event any day, but especially on Christmas Eve. We are thinking about and wishing for peace for all those involved, especially Ms. Mcauliffe's family and friends.

What Do We Know About the Driver?

An initial investigation into the circumstances of the crash indicates that McAuliffe was crossing Cottage Road when she was hit by a vehicle. The driver of the car stopped at the time of the crash and is cooperating with investigators. Police say it does not appear that there was any wrongdoing on behalf of the driver.

We'll update this story as more details become available.