New Bedford woman killed in hit-and-run crash remembered for faith, generous spirit

A local woman reportedly killed by a hit-and-run driver is being remembered.

According to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III, a pedestrian was struck and killed in New Bedford minutes into the new year.

The victim has been identified as 33-year-old Nicolasa Ventura Colaj of New Bedford, MA.

An initial investigation has revealed that the decedent and her family were exiting a church gathering at 1805 Acushnet Avenue.  As Colaj crossed the roadway, she was struck by an SUV and thrown a distance.  The SUV fled the area.  New Bedford Police and EMS responded. 

Colaj was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. 

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, “Nicolasa leaves behind a husband, A daughter of 4 years and two sons one of 15 and one of 11. She was a loving mother a God-fearing woman. When she entered a room, she made everyone feel happy. She lightened up the mood always. Nicolasa was always smiling and she was generous. She was an exemplary and virtuous woman.”

The investigation of the crash is being coordinated by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office along with the New Bedford Police Department. No further information is available at this time.