LOS ANGELES, CA (May 7, 2024) – A tragic hit-and-run collision claimed the life of Estella Melani Gomez, 74, and left Maria Ortiz, in her 90s, with severe injuries on Magnolia Avenue near Adams Boulevard in Los Angeles. The incident unfolded at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.
According to officials from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), an unidentified van was caught on camera reversing out of a driveway when it made contact with the two victims. Following the collision, the van’s driver failed to provide any aid and promptly left the scene.
Emergency services were dispatched to the location of the accident, where they found Gomez with fatal injuries. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Ortiz was urgently transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for her injuries.
LAPD has launched an investigation to find the driver responsible for the hit-and-run. Detectives are looking into surveillance footage, which last captured the van moving eastbound on West 2nd Street. Authorities are also appealing to any witnesses of the accident to come forward and provide any information that could assist in the investigation.
The unexpected loss inflicted upon the Gomez family prompted the initiation of a fundraising campaign to cover funeral and memorial expenses.
Source: LA Weekly
