Aruba Police have confirmed that a U.S. tourist has died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run traffic accident that occurred in Pos Abao late last year, raising the island’s total number of traffic fatalities for 2025 to eleven.
The accident happened on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., when police dispatch received a report of a serious collision along the Pos Abao road. A vehicle struck two female pedestrians and fled the scene.
Police patrols and ambulances were immediately sent to the location. Upon arrival, officers found two women lying on the roadway with serious injuries. The vehicle involved was no longer at the scene.
Emergency medical personnel provided on-site treatment before transporting both victims, who were U.S. tourists, to Horacio Oduber Hospital under urgent conditions.
Traffic specialists and forensic officers launched an investigation. One of the victims was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.
On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, shortly after 1:00 p.m., police were informed by hospital staff that one of the victims had died. Doctors pronounced Lisa Marie Barnett, born October 26, 1968, a 57-year-old American citizen, deceased.
Because the accident occurred in 2025, her death is recorded as the eleventh traffic fatality for that year.
The Aruba Police Force extended its condolences to the victim’s family and is urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact the police tip line at 11141. Callers may remain anonymous.
Police are also calling on the driver involved in the hit-and-run to come forward and report to the nearest police station.