The Antelope Valley Times

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Woman hit, killed crossing street in Lancaster

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pedestrianLANCASTER – A 32-year-old woman died Thursday night after she was hit by a car while crossing a poorly lit street in Lancaster, authorities said.

Preliminary information gathered at the scene revealed the pedestrian was crossing Avenue I, southbound from 28th Street East, at around 8:17 p.m., according to Sgt. Dave Jennings of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.

“The roadway is poorly lit in that area and there is no crosswalk. The pedestrian appeared to pay no attention to obvious traffic,” Jennings stated in a press release.

The woman, whose name has not yet been released, was struck by a 2013 Hyundai Elantra traveling eastbound on Avenue I in the number two lane, according to Jennings.

She was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Center in Lancaster, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Speed, alcohol or drugs do not appear to have been a factor in the collision, Jennings stated.

pedestrian fatal Ave I and 28th Street East Lancaster map
Fatal collision location

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Filed Under: Lancaster

57 comments for "Woman hit, killed crossing street in Lancaster"

  1. I just learned about this and the victim was my second cousin. I had never met her as our families moved away in our twenties, yet she was the daughter of my cousin Tom, who I just saw earlier this year at the funeral of his mom. She was the same age as my daughter, who I could never rationalize losing this way.

  2. People should remember only one thing. 99.9% of vehicle vs pedestrians accidents could have been prevented. A pedestrian is crossing the road made for vehicles. People seem to think that if their in a marked crosswalk, their safe. They think the same thing whenever they they think they have the rifht of way. Right or wrong, a 3000lbs car will always win that battle. All of these could be avoided if the Ped would just watch traffic as they crossed. Terrible tragedy that should have been avoided.

  3. First I want to say that, regardless of the circumstances, it was all in God’s Plan! Even though we may not understand what that plan is, we just have to roll with it! Although, I must point out after reading the report, it sounded like it was missing something. Unless things have changed in the state of California, Any Corner/Intersection is a crosswalk, regardless if there is a painted crosswalk. Secondly, 25 ft from the crosswalk is legally part of the crosswalk. I’m not trying to point a finger, just make these facts known to everyone, to pay attention. My family has had a rough year, on the bright side, we know that we’ll be together again someday!

  4. Seriously, what is wrong with you people? A person lost their life in a tragic accident. She was someones daughter, a sister, a cousin. Grow up, have some empathy. What if this person was a member of your family? And guess what, she was a member of mine. It doesn’t matter where she lived, what she was doing or what if anything was wrong with her. She did not deserve to die in that manner. And she does not deserve those cold and unfeeling comments.

  5. What this all boils down to is this….there are way to many people, adults and teens alike not using the crosswalks on our high speed roadways. The Antelope Valley has the highest speed roadways. Where the average speed is over 50 MPH and still the people on foot dart across. We have had a record breaking amount of these types of deaths here in the valley. 28th East and Ave I, may not have a crosswalk however there is a crosswalk on 30th and I, which in my opinion is not that far from 28th Street, to go out of the way and play it safe.

    • Exactly!!!! And who cares if it was a correctional officer. They are just as human as the person that was hit. It was an accident that could have could have been avoided had the women used the designated crosswalk. It is stated that she had a diminished mental state than why wasn’t she supervised? Again a senseless accident that changed the lives of two families that easily could have been avoided.

      • There are many mentally challenged individuals who are higher functioning and do not require 24/7 supervision; some have “alone” time with specifics regarding how much, when, under what conditions, etc. spelled out. Whether or not that is the case with this individual who was hit and succumbed to her injuries is only the business of her family and really does not change the fact that this was a tragic loss which has caused grief for our family, the driver/family of the driver and the witnesses.

        The bottom line is many are suffering right now regardless of how it happened, if it could have been avoided, etc. Finger pointing and trying to lay blame does not change facts. Please have compassion for those involved.

        • Never once did I point a finger or place blame. I am fully aware that their are mentally challenged adults that live on their own or with little supervision. I work with them. No one would have even known that the deceased was mentally challenged had it not been posted in a comment here by I believe by a family member. They were making an excuse for her poor decision stating her mental state. It doesn’t matter that the women was mentally challenged or that the driver may have been a correctional officer. What matters is that two families lives are changed forever.

  6. This was an accident, I witnessed a similar accident and it’s traumatic for all. Please try to be supportive and not judgemental, I’m sure it’s tough enough with try to be kind

  7. i was there when it happen and yes it was rather dark but she also had on somewhat bright clothibg on. And what they failed to mention was that it was a correctional officer who hit her. I cant get all the images out of my head. Becuase we were the first people to see her and the car the hit her was right behind us so I dont have how he didn’t see her if we did. It’s sad and distrubing my prayers go out to her family and friends

    • Zanobia,

      I am so sorry for you and anyone else who had to witness the accident as I am sure the images must be horrific. The information you’ve shared is very interesting and much appreciated, too.

      While WE may never have the answers to what happened, we know, as believers, that our Heavenly Father knows every detail. We also know that our sister is now enjoying her reunion with family that has already passed on and that she is now made perfect in His image.

      THANK YOU for your prayers; they are much appreciated!

    • What difference does it make if it was a correctional officer, dr, fire fighter, construction worker, whatever. It couldve happened to anyone. It was dark and maybe if u had blown your horn if u saw her, he couldve known to be looking for a person crossing. My prayers are with her family and the man who has to live with this for the rest of his life. Please don’t pretend to know something when you have no clue.

      • Bralex,

        You are correct; the occupation of the person driving the car that hit this young woman does not matter. It is not fair, however, to make the statement that if Zanobia would have blown their horn it might have made a difference because then it is like pointing fingers and saying it was their fault.

        This was a tragic accident and it could have happened to anyone. No amount of “what ifs” will change the circumstances; a driver is suffering with the fact that he or she hit and killed an individual and our family is dealing with the loss of that individual.

        Our family appreciates the prayers for us and we ask that prayers be said on behalf of the driver as well. I know my family is praying for him or her, knowing that what happened cannot be easy for him or her to live with.

        Please don’t point fingers or make derogatory comments about the individual who was in front of the driver that hit the individual. I don’t think that individual meant to pretend to know anything more than what they witnessed and was just trying to console a family that has suffered a loss and all the negative comments made about our family member. I do not believe he or she meant any harm toward the driver of the vehicle.

      • Wow @braxley you speak as if you were there. Zanobia was there and if she was in fact in front of the car that that hit this woman (due to him not paying attention also) then she should speak out. So don’t try drag someone else in as having responsibility for the next person not paying attention, if she saw her walking across the street then why didn’t he, and if he was an officer then he should be held to higher standard. Cops protect their own we all know that.

        • Thank for understanding where I was oming from I wasn’t pointing the finger I was stating that because it was a correctional officer it was good heading from the public but if it were just a regular individual the name and everything would be out in public. they are just trying to protect their own mind you he was getting off of work so he’s probably tired during 16 hours or more of a shift. I couldn’t do nothing more than what I did as far as seeing her pulling over and trying to help in every way. yes my heart goes out to the correctional officer also because the whole time he was absolutely shaking up and just as hard as it is for me to get the images out of my head I know it’s terrifying to him so I’m not judging or pointing the finger I’m just stating exactly what I seen what I did and what happened that’s all and if by any chance there is a family member who is replying can you let me kn know please

          • Zanobia,

            Yes, we (the family) do understand exactly what you were saying and where you were coming from. We appreciate your comments and compassion. We thank you for sharing the information you shared and as stated in earlier posts–we pray for the driver of the car, and you, too, as a witness to such a horrific accident.

            As you read through the posts, I think you will soon see that at least four family members have posted–me, Geanie, Maye and Michelle :)

          • Well can you please tell her mom and dad I tried to keep her phone till they got there but the police harrassed me for it. I was the person that made the 911 call and then grabbed her phone to contact her mom and dad also her friend I’m sorry I called them the way that I did but I figured they would want to know exactly what where and when becuase I knew the police would be forever telling them. I did what I could to help.

          • Zanobia,

            Yes, we heard that someone quickly found her phone and placed a call–that was very thoughtful and much appreciated! You said you gave her phone to the police? I will share this with our brother because he has been trying to locate the phone! Again, thank you for all you did! :)

  8. What is the matter with all you negative hurtful people? No matter how a life is lost, it’s a terrible shame. She was young and had a lot more life to live. It’s a loss for many not only her family. My condolences to the family. May God’s blessings be upon all of you.

    • Up2here,

      THANK YOU for your kind words, here and as individual comments elsewhere in this forum. As I stated so someone else, WE may never know what happened but we know that our Heavenly Father knows every detail. We rejoice in the fact that our loved one is resting comfortably in Heaven with other loved ones who have already passed on and, as believers, we know that we will all be reunited with her, too!

  9. People need to take their lives in their own hands and not put themselves in such reckless situations. Hopefully people will learn from this. Not holding my breath..

  10. People need to stop being so ignorant and just assume every car is gonna see them day or night. How many people are looking down now in days at their phones? I’m not saying they are ok doing that or should be doing that but when your dealing with your life then you shouldn’t take the risk. Ya that person will get in a lot of trouble for hitting and killing you but now your dead so what does that matter to you now? Is it really worth it not to walk to a crosswalk?

  11. I HAVE READ SOME OF THE COMMENTS SHARED HERE AND THEN JUST HAD TO STOP.
    WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT AND ALL IS SAID AND DONE A YOUNG PERSON LOST THEIR LIFE (32) AND ANOTHER DRIVING THE Hyundai Elantra WILL REMEMBER THIS ALL THEIR LIFE. I DON’T KNOW ALL THE FACTS OR ANYONE INVOLVED, I AM NO ONE TO JUDGE BUT MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THEM ALL. SAD DAY FOR ALL

    • On behalf of the family, thank you! It is a tragic loss for us and I’m sure the driver is suffering as well. We, as a family, are praying for that driver.

  12. Wow, God help all of you who have such little regard for a human life that you would stoop so low as to ASSume very negative and hurtful things about someone based on the location of where they were tragically killed!! This is just further confirmation of the low-life, immature, losers who, unfortunately, characterize much of our society today. Instead of showing compassion and sympathy at the loss of a human life- someone’s daughter, sister, friend- you would rather ASSume the person is a drunk or a tweaker or a jay walker who deserved what they got and should have stayed home. WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE ARE YOU?! SELFISH LOW LIFE’S WITH NO HEART!! And let’s set the record straight…my step-sister had walked to the liquor store for a slurpee and was on her way back home. As the officer said in the article above, it is a poorly lit area and there is no crosswalk. That should be the first lesson that comes from all of this- that the area needs to have safety improvements done. As stated by another family member, she suffered from a mental disability and could have easily been distracted and made a mistake. EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES! How awful that you all ASSume that she was purposely jay walking or had the attitude that she owned the road and could walk anywhere she wanted on the road. She didn’t even think like that! She was a sweet girl who was much like a teenager and she loved people. I am so disturbed by society as a whole and the quickness with which we judge people wrongly to the point where we accuse them of drinking and tweaking and getting what they deserve when a genuine tragedy occurs and a life is lost. PEOPLE, A LIFE WAS LOST LAST NIGHT! A HUMAN BEING! DOES THAT MEAN NOTHING TO YOU? I pray that none of you ever has to experience that tragic loss of your sister in this manner…and if it should happen to you…I pray that people are less judgmental, hurtful, mean and heartless as you grieve than you have been to our family!! May God turn your hearts before it’s too late!!

  13. As senseless as this “accident” seems to be, no amount of lights, crosswalks, etc, will change the behavior of some in this Valley. That being said, many on this site, and in the public, will continue to chastise our local law enforcement for “doing nothing” to help prevent these incidents. In the next breath, those seem people will ask why our cops are “sweating people over small stuff” by issuing citations for jaywalking instead of concentrating on “the real criminals.”

  14. Geanie on August 9, 2013 at 6:01 pm

    Shame on all of you making the nasty comments! Please keep our family in your prayers, as well as the driver and that family. My sister, who suffers mentally, was getting a slurpee! My sister is now with our Heavenly Father, along with our mother who passed away 3 years ago. How dare you all ASSume you know what she was doing and how it happened. You all making the nasty comments could not be further from the truth. This was definitely a terrible and very tragic accident.

  15. I cannot believe how cruel and insensitive some of you individuals can be, especially those of you who have NO IDEA of what truly happened or who this person was! Have some dignity for goodness sake! Even IF what you are saying were true (AND IT IS NOT), someone still lost their life and there is a family that is mourning that loss. The family does not need these insensitive comments. As the saying goes, “if you cannot say something nice (or helpful), then don’t say anything at all” OR “put yourself in the place of this young woman’s family and decide how you would feel” reading some of your comments!

    Carla, do you personally know the young woman? First, everyone has a right to go where they want, when they want so no, she should not have had to “keep her butt at home”. Second, UNLESS you personally know this individual and you were with her or talked to her to KNOW she was going to the trap or the liquor store and is a tweeker and can swear in a court of law that this is true, then you need to keep your opinions to yourself. IF you do know her then you also should know other facts and you would not be so quick to post something so offensive for her family and friends to read.

    For those of you who continue to judge this young lady by stereotyping, then shame on you! You are probably the same individuals who would decide that someone is “guilty until they can prove their innocence” instead of “innocent until proven guilty”.

    HAVE A HEART PEOPLE! I am thankful I KNOW that not everyone in the Antelope Valley is so insensitive or I might never want to return!

    • No not everyone Kathleen. Only ones who don’t believe in God! They have no feelings or commonsense. I know how you are feeling. It’s a pain that never goes away, only lightens up. I’m sending you all loving hugs.

      • it has nothing to do with god – some people are born with compassion and morals – and some people are not born with that. Some people will develop those traits as they get older and some will remain the same.

        This is a forum – there will be trolls- people who just enjoy hurting others with their words, they thrive on it – So just get thicker skin- ignore them, imagine a 23 year old male living in their moms basement who has no life, no job, no girlfriend, who just wants to hurt others so he can feel good. (misery loves company)

        you will never see them or meet them – so why let them share their misery with you?

      • Up2here,

        So true! Just to give you a brief idea of what our family (yes, we are Believers) has endured over the course of a short amount of time–we lost our awesome, loving Christian mom in June of 2010, our dad in April of 2012 and my husband in June of 2012; we’ve had family members close to the fires that broke out in July or August of 2010 and had to evacuate their home, then endure another fire that did destroy home and contents just a few short weeks ago; a family member facing what could be some serious health issues and, as of Thursday night, the loss of our step sister!

        It IS only because of our Heavenly Father, our faith and the strength we draw from Him, that we get through these trials. As I have learned, when something tragic, like the loss of a parent, spouse or child occurs, you never “get over it”, you learn to “get through it” and continue to “get through it” the rest of your life.

        Thank you for your support; we welcome prayers and “loving hugs” during the difficult days ahead.

  16. I live in the neighborhoods right where it happened and heard the crash. It was terrible. Poor woman. She should have paid more attention to where she was walking. It’s a very open street and although it is poorly lit she should have been able to see the headlights of the car.

    • URRRRRRRRGH! You are so heartless! I have to get off here before I say something i shouldn’t.

  17. people would slow down cause, i have no problem at the intersection i see just fine its the speed and the drinking and not poor lighting so if people would slow down everything would be fine…..

  18. I drive this area to and from my kids home as Ave K and J are a mess with the construction. I was telling my companion the other night on the way home at about the same area that I don’t like this stretch of road. I drive from Sierra to 30 st east, its dark unmarked, and far between each traffic light, I saw a woman the other day standing in my lane waiting to cross headed south, I changed lanes to the right, about 2 other cars followed me to the right, she was not in the center lane but in the first lane of the west bound side of the road. even at sunrise and sunset you cannot see well because of the sun since the road goes basically east to west. I am sorry for the loss of a life.

  19. Please use a bit of tact and consideration for all involved in this tragedy. You do not know the circumstances regarding this situation nor what the family of the deceased has already endured. I do feel for the driver who will have to live with this tragedy and no amount of “could have’s or should have’s” will bring back this granddaughter, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend.

    Rest assured that this individual was NOT on her way to the liquor store or to the bar–to pass judgment or assume without knowing facts is insincere, demeaning and stereotyping.

    My heart aches for the man who had to hear the tragic news of his daughter’s death and has faced a great deal of tragedy over the past three years, more specifically over the past few weeks. Instead of posting negative, hurtful comments, I would ask that those of you who are believers stop and say a prayer for this man and his family. You can also be in prayer for the family and the driver of the car as I am sure they are wrestling with their own grief.

    THANK YOU for being a bit more sensitive to OUR family!

  20. Maybe the city can create the crosswalks in that area. It usually takes a tragedy to get something built up. Ave I is famous for jay-walking. On the Eastside, between 15th E and 40th E, it is mostly residential. Regardless of where pedestrians or cyclists are going, more attention should be paid to safety. Bike lanes have been added, now lets add the crosswalks.

    • I drive that route frequently and always have to be cautious of pedestrians, bikes, bad drivers, etc. Defensive driving is a must.

  21. If she was actually at the intersection, by law that is an “unmarked crosswalk.” Marked or unmarked, a crosswalk still does not give a pedestrian the right-of-way to just waltz into “obvious traffic” as the witness described it.

    California VC Section 21950(b): “This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard…”

  22. Senseless accident. All she had to do is walk a bit further to the signal and use the crosswalk and this all could have been avoided. Please think about the driver also. They have to live with this the rest of their life.

    • In response to heyyou…
      Yes, this was a tragic accident. There are a million “she should have’s” that everyone could list. But how often do we all do things that end up with “could have been avoided” without thinking. I do feel for the driver, as long as there was no texting/phone/etc distractions. This tragedy has altered two families who will never be the same again. I just hope that people stop jumping to conclusions and making assumptions about the woman or the driver. It’s so hurtful to the families.

  23. Sounds like she was in a hurry to buy liquor or go to the “Trap” bar. Poor fools that jaywalk thinking they won’t get hit by car or truck. This is a normal happening on Avenue I.

    • In response to yabbadabba…
      Actually, that couldn’t be further from the truth. You shouldn’t ASSume things like that because you are beyond wrong. Your comment is offensive and hurtful to our family. What if she was your sister, daughter, wife or cousin??

      • Having seen no fewer than 5 people j-walk, 3 of which were literally less than 100 feet of a protected crosswalk, on my way to work this morning, I have to say that I have very little sympathy for this scenario at this point.

        There is an obvious specific age and socioeconomic demographic that feel that they are entitled to cross any street wherever they want and at any obtuse angle.
        Yesterday, I actually saw 2 young women cross Ranch Vista Blvd. near the freeway at 1:30 in the afternoon.. near the northbound freeway exit, but only about 30 feet east of it..
        They totally played frogger with traffic just to get to Jack in the Box… BEYOND STUPID!
        People cross Avenue I between 10th and 20th west at a 45 degree angle all the time..in fact right in front of the DMV…

        Many of the pedestrian involved accidents on 10th west in Lancaster have been from people refusing to use a crosswalk and just darting across the street in front of traffic.

        Here is my idea.. Rex Likes to advertise his business.. Maybe they should do a P.S.A.
        Put up billboards and signage that says.
        “J-walking in the AV is punishable by death..
        statistics show..
        but if you do live..
        we’re here to help.”

        • I couldnt have said it better. The Lancaster Palmdale area has turned into a ghetto dump.

      • she should’ve stayed at home and sorry dont feel sorry for anyone who goes out on ave I because if she stayed at home she would still be here and as for you saying the comment is offensive or hurtful well i agree with the writer she should’ve keep her butt at home and not go to the trap or the liquor store, to me thats a tweeker for you. sorry but its the true!!!!!

        • Shame on all of you making the nasty comments! Please keep our family in your prayers, as well as the driver and that family. My sister, who suffers mentally, was getting a slurpee! My sister is now with our Heavenly Father, along with our mother who passed away 3 years ago. How dare you all ASSume you know what she was doing and how it happened. You all making the nasty comments could not be further from the truth. This was definitely a terrible and very tragic accident.

        • Carla, you are vicious and heartless. Shame on you. You are a demon. And for your remarks coming from a female, who or what raised you?

          • well its the truth, she should’ve stayed home and not go out and get that beer or drugs and go to the bar she just stay home so theres no sorrys from me she was a tweeker that wanted a fix and thats to bad and yes i dont have a heart for people who do drugs or drink and want to wonder the streets at night so if you dont like the comments then dont read them.