Our North Belfast community has been plunged into sadness following a devastating hit-and-run collision on York Street in the early hours of Thursday, July 16, 2026. The tragic incident, which occurred at approximately 2:40am, resulted in the loss of 24-year-old pedestrian Raven Adams, who was originally from the Tipperary area of the Republic of Ireland. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
A second pedestrian, a 22-year-old man, was also seriously injured in the single-vehicle collision. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene to provide medical treatment, and the injured man was rushed to the hospital, where he continues to receive treatment for serious injuries.
Following the collision, the driver of the vehicle, a 22-year-old man from Northern Ireland, fled the scene. Police officers later located and arrested the suspect in the nearby Cavehill area. He remains in police custody as investigations continue. York Street and surrounding roads have now fully reopened after temporary closures.
Local DUP MLA Phillip Brett expressed the deep sorrow felt across the area, offering his heartfelt condolences to Raven’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. He also paid tribute to the police, ambulance service, and emergency responders who dealt with the heartbreaking scene, urging the community to give the family privacy and support the police investigation.
Detective Inspector Stewart from the Police Service’s Collision Investigation Unit is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has dash-cam or CCTV footage to come forward. If you have any information, please contact the police on 101, or submit a report online via the witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals, quoting reference number 181 of 16/07/26. Even the smallest detail could help bring answers to a grieving family.