Los Angeles, CA (May 3, 2024) The University Park neighborhood in Los Angeles was shocked and saddened on Thursday afternoon following a fatal hit-and-run. 73-year-old Estela Gomez lost her life in this accident and her cousin, 83-year-old Maria Ortiz, was seriously injured. The devastating collision took place at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and West Adams Boulevard at approximately 1:20 p.m.
Gomez and Ortiz stepped off the Metro Bus at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and West Adams Boulevard and were walking home. As the two women walked, a white van began backing out of a private driveway. The women couldn’t get out of the way in time and the van backed over them. Shockingly, the driver of the van did not stop. Instead, he continued backing onto the street, then slammed the van into drive and fled. Reports indicated that the driver headed east on West 25th Street.
Police officers arrived at the scene and found the two women lying on the ground. Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived and found Maria Ortiz with critical injuries. They carefully placed her on a stretcher and loaded her into an ambulance. With sirens wailing and lights flashing, they rushed Ortiz to a local trauma center to receive emergency medical care. She is still listed in critical condition.
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When officers arrived at the scene, they found Estela Gomez unresponsive. They administered life-saving techniques, but her injuries were too severe. Sadly, they pronounced the 73-year-old woman dead at the scene. Officers put a canopy over Gomez’s body and called for the coroner. Yellow police tape was put up and emergency vehicles filled the neighborhood. It was a sad scene and one that could have been prevented.
Her son, Miguel Gomez, told news sources that his mother was a wonderful lady who was born in El Salvador. “She didn’t deserve to die like this,” he said. He added that his mother was strong, and “raised five children on her own while working as a cleaning lady at Macy’s.” The family wants justice and are asking anyone with information to step forward. They have created a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses following this sudden loss.
All of us at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Estela Gomez during this devastating time of loss. We also want to wish Maria Ortiz and full recovery following this traumatic accident. If you or someone you know has been affected by this hit-and-run collision, our legal team is here to offer support and guidance during this time.
