20-year-old killed in downtown Athens hit-and-run

A 20-year-old woman was killed in a hit-and-run in downtown Athens early Saturday, according to Athens-Clarke County police.

Ariana Zarse, who ACCPD confirmed to be a University of Georgia student, was crossing Broad Street, just east of Foundry Street, when a Honda Accord struck the 20-year-old just after midnight, according to police. The vehicle then left the scene.

Zarse was transported to a local hospital by EMS where she died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

A friend was walking with Zarse and was not struck by the vehicle, according to police.

This marks Athens' 20th fatal motor vehicle crash of 2021.

Investigators have located the vehicle involved in this incident but have not determined who was operating the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact ACCPD officer Dustin Tilley at (762) 400-7355 or via email at dustin.tilley@accgov.com.