Redwood City police searching for driver in deadly hit-and-run that killed 72-year-old woman

A 72-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle while walking near Middlefield Road and Beech Street in Redwood City. Police said the crash happened shortly before 10 p.m. on Sunday and the driver fled the scene. Family members held a roadside vigil and described the victim as kind, supportive, and loving. The family said the driver’s continued absence has made it difficult to process the loss and has increased anger and emotional strain. Relatives urged safety improvements along the busy corridor, including speed bumps, because many drivers travel fast and do not respect pedestrians. Safety advocates also cited dangerous driving patterns at the intersection, including lane cutting and using the shoulder to overtake cars.

"Maria Perez died after being struck while walking Sunday night near Middlefield Road and Beech Street, according to authorities. Officers said the crash occurred shortly before 10 p.m., and the driver left the scene. At a roadside vigil on Wednesday, family members remembered Perez as a caring and supportive presence. “She was a very kind and helping person; she would always be there for all of us and give us advice about anything,” said Cindy Perez, the victim's niece."

"Perez's sister, Irma Perez, described the loss as devastating. She said in Spanish that Maria was a loving aunt, family member, and friend who touched many lives. The family said the emotional toll has made it difficult to process their loss while the driver remains unidentified. “We really haven't been able to reminisce, at least for me, because of the anger I have inside. We're just really hope everything gets better for our family mentally and physically and that people keep praying for our family,” Cindy Perez said."

"Family members are also urging changes to improve safety along the busy corridor where the crash happened. “To put speed bumps because I know a lot of people drive really fast and don't really respect the pedestrians around there,” Cindy Perez said. Street safety advocates echoed those concerns, citing dangerous driving behavior in the area. “In that intersection people are cutting lanes taking to the shoulder to overtake cars,” said Karvin, an advocate for safer streets."

Read at ABC7 San Francisco