PHOENIX — A Phoenix family is mourning the loss of a 39-year-old woman who police say was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver near Interstate 17 and Union Hills Drive last weekend.
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Phoenix police said Erika Garcia was found unresponsive around 10:30 p.m. Sunday near the intersection. Investigators say the driver involved fled the scene.
According to police, a witness reported seeing Garcia lying or bent over in a marked crosswalk in the area. When the witness returned moments later, Garcia was still in the roadway and appeared to have been struck by a vehicle.
Garcia was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later died, police said.
Family members told 12News they believe Garcia was heading to a friend’s house when the incident occurred.
“You hope for yourself and your loved ones, that when you’re passing away, there you’re surrounded by your loved ones, you know, wherever that may be, if you’re in a home or a hospital, or whatever that is, you have your loved ones around you. And my sister’s the way that she passed was very tragic, and she was alone,” Vanessa Perez, the victim’s sister said.
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Garcia’s family said she will be remembered for her compassion and dedication to her loved ones.
A fundraiser has been created to help cover medical bills and funeral expenses. Police have not released information about the vehicle involved, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Fundraiser by VANESSA PEREZ : Honoring Erika Garcia’s Memory
Police are asking the public to call SILENT WITNESS at 480(WITNESS) or 480(TESTIGO) if they have any information.
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