The family of Madison Gerhard, 23, is grieving the loss of their beloved family member who was tragically hit and killed by a car on Saturday morning in West Palm Beach.
“My daughter was beautiful, kind, and would never harm anyone,” said her mother, Kristen Gerhard. “I had gone to get her cat when this happened.”
According to relatives interviewed by WPTV, Madison was a strong advocate for mental health and was pursuing a real estate degree while completing her psychology degree at Florida State University.
“I want to emphasize her caring nature, her athleticism, her compassion, and her love for friends, family, and animals,” said her father, Peter Gerhard.
Madison, originally from New Jersey, was an enthusiastic athlete who enjoyed soccer, cheerleading, lacrosse, and snow skiing. After moving to Palm Beach about four years ago, she also took up water skiing.
“She adored the beach, sunsets, and sunrises,” Kristen Gerhard shared.
Madison was the youngest of two children.
“She was the most loving and kindhearted person I knew. I’ve known many people, but nobody quite like her,” said her older brother, Peter Gerhard II. “She always prioritized others over herself and would give the shirt off her back to help anyone.”
Peter Gerhard mentioned that Madison had a deep affection for animals and occasionally volunteered at Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
The family preferred not to discuss the specifics of the night Madison was killed.
“When we looked out the window, we saw four to five police cars blocking the road, and there was something covered on the pavement. It was obvious that something had happened,” said Eric Setulveda.
Setulveda, who witnessed the aftermath of the accident from his hotel room on 45th Street, reported that the driver fled the scene.
“That’s essentially murder,” Setulveda stated. “Because you just killed someone with your vehicle.”
Investigators identified a 56-year-old man as the driver and brought him in for questioning.
“The driver cooperated,” said Mike Jachles, a spokesperson for the West Palm Beach police. “He admitted to hitting something and expressed remorse when he was informed that he had struck a person who died as a result.”
While Gerhard was not using a crosswalk at the time of the crash, the police are awaiting the results of the investigation and DNA evidence before determining whether to press criminal charges against the driver.
Madison’s body remains at the medical examiner’s office, and her parents have requested privacy as they mourn the loss of their daughter.
