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FHP: Woman killed in Cocoa Beach hit-and-run

COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol is looking for a 2011 Dodge Caravan that could be linked to a woman found dead in a ditch alongside A1A in Cocoa Beach Wednesday morning.

FHP officials said they believe she was the victim of a hit-and-run, and said they don't know what color the van is but did find a piece of debris and a tire impression that could be a significant clue.

FHP said the 34-year-old woman was found at about 7:20 a.m. Wednesday near 33rd Street, north of the Patrick Air Force Base. FHP said her identity has not been released because they are still trying to find her relatives.

Troopers said they don't know how long she was lying on the ground, but said she could have been hit as early as 2 a.m. FHP suspects her death was the result of a hit-and-run based on the evidence they have found and the condition of the woman's body.

The speed limit along the stretch of A1A is 55 miles per hour, and neighbors said there are no sidewalks and it can be dangerous for pedestrians, especially in the dark.

Investigators said the driver knew they hit someone and may have even stopped but didn't get help.

The woman was killed in a less densely populated area between Cocoa Beach and Patrick Air Force Base. Andy Weil, who works at a surf shop, said there are still quite a few pedestrians and no sidewalks or crosswalks.

"The bus stops right there, and there are apartments right over there so there is quite a bit of foot traffic," Weil said.

Investigators say if the driver was drunk, there's no way they would be able to determine that even if troopers do figure out who it is.

The speed limit is 45 mph but people go a lot faster, Weil said.

"I've lived in enough spots right along A1A to know that road is scary. Even up in Cocoa Beach where it's 35 miles per hour, no one drives 35 miles per hour," said Weil.

Investigators said, so far, there are no witnesses to the incident.