24-year-old Providence woman being remembered, fundraiser created, after fatal pedestrian collision

Family members are remembering a woman killed in a pedestrian collision that occurred in Exeter on Saturday.

According to Rhode Island State Police, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Troopers from the Hope Valley and Wickford Barracks, as well as members from the North Kingstown Police and Fire Departments and Exeter Fire and Rescue responded to 911 calls reporting that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle in the vicinity of 310 South County Trail in Exeter.

Investigators learned that 24-year-old Milbia Hernandez of Providence was standing in the northbound lane of South County Trail when she was struck by an SUV. Hernandez was transported to South County Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The operator of the SUV and other witnesses remained on scene and provided statements.

Rhode Island State Police also announced that on Sunday, at 4:00 a.m., Troopers arrested 26-year-old Tariq Famogun of Providence for Domestic Violence – Violation of a No Contact Order – First Offense and Obstruction of an Officer in Execution of Duty. The arrest was the result of Troopers investigating the fatal motor vehicle crash on South County Trail. He was transported to the State Police Wickford Barracks, where he was processed, and held overnight as a probation violator.

According to WJAR 10, Rhode Island State Police said that rumors that Hernandez was pushed in front of the vehicle are unfounded.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created for medical and funeral expenses for Hernandez.

“No words can truly capture the depth of their grief. She was a daughter, a sister, and a mother—a presence in the lives of those who knew her. Like all of us, she had her imperfections, but she was deeply loved all the same.”

The incident remains under investigation.