Carolina Estrella identified as victim in Artesia hit and run near New Life Community Church

Artesia resident Carolina Estrella. Photo from KABC 7 Los Angeles.

By Brian Hews

Carolina Estrella, a well loved 83 year old resident of Artesia, was struck and killed by an unknown driver early Saturday morning as she was on her way to help deliver food to a popular community food bank at a church.

Estrella, who lived in a home on Fagan Avenue just yards from the church died at the scene according to both law enforcement officials and members of her family on Saturday afternoon.

Lakewood Sheriff’s Station Traffic Detail is investigating the fatal hit and run collision that occurred at Norwalk Boulevard and Droxford Street at approximately 4:40 a.m.

“My mother was loved by everyone here in our community,” said daughter Leonora Estrella who was at the scene grieving with other members of her family, and searching for answers.

Estrella was walking eastbound in the crosswalk when a red vehicle struck her. “The driver failed to remain at the scene of the collision and fled south bound on Norwalk Boulevard and out of view,” said Sergeant Rich Peña and Sergeant Diane Hecht from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“All she was doing was walking across the street to get to New Life Community Church to help deliver food to those here in our community who are in need,” family member Estrellita Legaspi told Los Cerritos Community Newspaper in an interview at the scene.

Legaspi and other family members were building a memorial at the location just hours after members of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Department had left scene by 8:30 a.m.

Estrella’s walker, along with a portrait of her and flowers now mark the location of where the horrific scene took place.

“They said (law enforcement) that the vehicle is red in color and it has lots of damage to it,” Legaspi said.

“Someone knows who this person is and they need to do the right thing and turn themselves into the Lakewood Sheriff’s.

“My mother dedicated her life to our family and our community.  We are shocked, and stunned that this happened,” Legaspi said.

Anyone with any additional information or who may have witnessed the traffic collision is encouraged to contact Investigator Chris Bronowicki of the Lakewood Station Traffic Detail at (562) 623-3500.

(http://www.Lakewood.lasd.org)

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the websitehttp://lacrimestoppers.org.

Los Cerritos Community Newspaper will have additional updates as soon as additional details are known.

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