Shocking Update: Suspect and Vehicle Identified in Deadly Hit-and-Run That Claimed Life of Beloved Palm Beach Educator

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office announced that both the vehicle and the driver suspected to be involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Wellington have been located. The crash occurred early Monday morning, on December 9, and tragically claimed the life of Toshimi Janiga, a highly regarded local educator who had been named Palm Beach County’s Teacher of the Year in 2021.

According to investigators, the incident took place shortly before 5:45 a.m. as Janiga, 62, was walking south and crossing the intersection of Aero Club Drive and South Club Drive. At that time, a vehicle made a left turn from the Lakefield community onto Aero Club Drive and struck Janiga while she was in the crosswalk. Instead of stopping, the vehicle continued north on Aero Club Drive.

On Tuesday, December 10, authorities confirmed they had recovered a 2019 Ford F450 pickup truck believed to have been involved in the incident. The vehicle was secured for further investigative purposes. Detectives also identified the driver as a 43-year-old man from Stephens City, Virginia. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Palm Beach Post has chosen not to identify the driver involved in the incident, as no formal charges have been filed at this time. A spokesperson for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the crash remains under active investigation. However, officials have not disclosed specific details about how or where the driver and the vehicle were located.

The fatal crash occurred just four days before what would have been Toshimi Janiga’s 63rd birthday, adding to the tragedy of her untimely death. In the aftermath, numerous tributes have been shared online to honor her life and contributions to the community. Among those paying tribute was the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of Florida, which highlighted Janiga’s dedicated work with the Gutterman Family Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education at Florida Atlantic University. “Education is our best hope against hatred! Our hearts are broken!” the Gutterman Family Center expressed in a heartfelt message on its official Facebook page.

Janiga was a beloved educator who spent more than a decade teaching at Riviera Beach Preparatory Academy, where she specialized in English and Holocaust studies. Her journey as an educator began after she moved from Japan to the United States in 1992 to work at Lynn University in Boca Raton. In 2005, she transitioned to teaching high school students, focusing on English and Japanese language instruction. According to school district records, Janiga was hired in August 2005 and most recently served as a reading coach, continuing her mission to empower students through education.

Her loss has been deeply felt throughout the community, as friends, colleagues, and organizations reflect on her lifelong commitment to education and human rights.

“Mrs. Abe-Janiga was an exceptional educator who profoundly impacted the lives of countless students,” Riviera Beach Prep Principal Mark Simmonds said in a message to parents on Monday. “She had a rare talent for bringing history to life, transforming challenging subjects like the Holocaust and World War II into meaningful and engaging learning experiences. As a devoted reading coach and a cherished member of our school community, she was honored as the 2022 Palm Beach County Teacher of the Year. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Janiga earned the prestigious Teacher of the Year award after being selected from a pool of 77 nominees. In a video that highlighted the finalists, she spoke passionately about her mission as an educator.

“When I teach students about the Holocaust, I want them to engage and take action to prevent future atrocities,” Janiga said. “I want them to recognize the warning signs of what could come and understand the importance of making the right choices as human beings.”

Her words reflect her unwavering dedication to teaching not just history, but also the lessons of humanity, compassion, and moral responsibility.