Family identifies woman killed in Orangevale hit-and-run crash as loving mother, grandmother
As of Monday night, California Highway Patrol is still trying to locate the driver involved
As of Monday night, California Highway Patrol is still trying to locate the driver involved
As of Monday night, California Highway Patrol is still trying to locate the driver involved
Family members have identified the person killed in a hit-and-run crash in Orangevale over the weekend as 56-year-old Cynthia Wright of Citrus Heights.
The California Highway Patrol said that around 10 p.m. Saturday, a vehicle traveling westbound on Greenback Lane, west of Walnut Avenue, "struck a pedestrian walking northbound outside of the crosswalk."
CHP confirmed with KCRA 3 that the 56-year-old pedestrian died because of the crash and that the vehicle involved drove off.
KCRA 3 spoke to Dean Brooks, Wright’s younger brother. Brooks described Wright as a kind soul who cared deeply for her family, including her son, her two grandkids and her husband.
"Cynthia was a very loving, caring sister,” Brooks said. "I'll miss everything about her."
On Monday, a balloon and some flowers could be seen near where the crash happened. Brooks said since he lives all the way in Southern California, that show of support from the local community means a lot to him. He also said he has learned of people who tried to save Wright before paramedics arrived.
"Knowing that people went out of their way to help my sister in a time of need is amazing for somebody that they didn't even know," Brooks said.
As of Monday night, CHP did not release a suspect vehicle description. Brooks said his family wants justice for his sister and for the person responsible for her death to be found.
Although there is still a lot unknown about the circumstances that led up to the crash, people who live nearby and often travel on Greenback Lane said the road can be very dangerous.
"I think in the last couple years, it's been a lot worse. A lot of fast driving," Orangevale resident Mary Olsen said. "The traffic is really bad around here, a lot of speeders."
CHP said evidence was collected from the scene in an effort to find the driver, but as of Monday night, no arrests have been made. Anyone with any information is asked to contact authorities at 916-464-1450 or email tsenter@chp.ca.gov.
On Tuesday, CHP said it has learned that the vehicle involved was a dark maroon/brown 2007-2008 Honda Element SC. The Honda likely has damage on its front left corner.