LANCASTER –Friends and relatives of a 34-year-old mother of four who died following a hit-and-run crash last week gathered at the crash site Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil honoring her life. Huddled around dozens of candles and a few poster-sized photographs of Simone Walker, the group of nearly 100 sang “Amazing Grace” over the sobs of devastated loved ones.
“I just want whoever did this to understand what they did,” said best friend Shanae Hamilton. “They took somebody from her children, a friend from a lot people… we need closure!”
Simone Walker was struck by an unknown vehicle around 7:43 p.m. on March 19 as she crossed the street on Avenue L, near the intersection of 32nd Street West. (Read more here). Walker was thrown several feet and suffered life-threatening injuries, officials said. She remained unresponsive and on life support in the days following the collision, as several family members and friends kept vigil at her hospital bedside. Walker was pronounced dead this week.
Officials have issued urgent pleas to the public for help in solving the case, but still have little leads.
They’re asking anyone with information on the hit-and-run crash to contact the Lancaster Station’s Traffic Detail at 661-948-8466.
At Tuesday’s vigil, distraught family members again pleaded with witnesses to come forward.
“Just give us some type of closure. My sister’s kids are hurting right now, I’m hurting,” said Michulae Walker. “That’s my baby sister and it’s so unreal, I can’t believe this!”
Many grieving loved ones who spoke at the vigil said Simone Walker will be remembered as a fun-loving person who made those around her laugh, constantly.
“We’re going to miss that, we’re going to miss her,” said Cathy Tindall, whose son was engaged to be married to Simone Walker. “Her kids are going to miss her loving warm touch… for their sake, please turn this person in.”
Simone Walker leaves behind a set of 9-year-old twins, a 12-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter, relatives said. A memorial fund for Simone Walker has been set up to cover the cost of her funeral and to help support her children.
Anyone wishing to donate to this fund can visit any Chase Bank and request to donate funds to the memorial account for Simone Walker, relatives said.
Family members are asking the public – especially local mechanics – to be on the lookout for any vehicle with a damaged or blood-splattered front end.
They said any information, no matter how small, could lead authorities to the driver who struck Simone Walker and then fled the scene.
Anyone with information on this incident should call 661-948-8466 and ask for the Lancaster Station Traffic Detail.
If you wish to stay anonymous, call the CrimeStoppers tip line at 800-222-8477 or submit information to www.lacrimestoppers.org.
–
Driverallday says
I have myself jaywalked in many occasions but with extra lots of caution if you see a car dont try to play chicken wait till it passes you even at a stop sign make sure they stop before you start to cross…. Ok please this is not to offend anyone may she RIP. Ok i have in a few occasions run into people that like to think they can run or walk to the middle of the street and a car will simply stop its not that easy when you are going 45-50 Mph and someone dicides to jump in front of your car and think that they can just stop in one second. I have had sitiations where young kids love douing that they might think and say this car will slightley hit me and i will get some cash from driver or who knows what they think but in my encounters experience that i had like that is with my young afro-american brother and you hust have to wait till they dicide to walk out of the street.
Lizeth Conde says
If you hit sometime by accident, you stop and help, you don’t run.
driverallday says
You are right but who knows what goes thru your mind in a situation like that so if you leave in panic your screwed the driver might have not even been at foult who knows may she rest in peace. still don’t try and outrun a car a person won’t win.
tayna james says
how can you even fix your mind to think that or write your comments .. forget the driver state of mind! what about her four children,loved ones, friends? her life? Any human in their right mind who isnt heartless should of stop NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION WAS!
kym says
Jay walking or not.. you just don’t hit someone and keep going.. you sound suspisous! ! For all we know you could be the driver that hit her.. you are basically defending the hit and run, and putting extras on it as though you’re saying she walked out in front of the car by jaywalking and she was risking getting hit.. that still doesn’t change the fact, that who ever hit her, kept going, and left her for dead.
Robbie says
R.I.P Simone Walker You were Fab here and Shanae My Homie Dre and I will keep your memory alive a Dres friend Kino
Anna says
Pedestrian vs car = car always wins…
cuzzn says
[removed] you it doesn’t matter who was at fault the bastard took off…were you a 9, 12, or 16 years .old having to bury your mother? You heartless [removed]!!
Kristl says
Very tragic, many positive thoughts go to this family and hope they find the person responsible. Everyone should remember to use the crosswalk safety if you’re crossing the street at night time.
James Sosa says
I wish i would of known. I would of showed up. Very sad.
Jennie says
James- I will keep you posted on info for funeral..
CHarris says
Such a beautiful person. a tragic week in the valley, my soul hurts. rest in peace
Just Beautiful Me says
This is so heartbreaking. My heart hurts for her babies!!
I pray that the person responsible for this will have a heart and do the right thing.
May you forever R.I.P. Simone Walker