Bell Gardens, CA (April 4, 2024) – A heart-wrenching incident late last Thursday evening claimed the life of Janet Young, a beloved grandmother of six, as she was tragically killed by a hit-and-run driver. The accident occurred as Young crossed Gage Avenue in Bell Gardens, carrying tacos she had bought for her family, in a marked crosswalk. The Bell Gardens Police Department reported that a dark sedan traveling eastbound was the responsible vehicle.
Incident Details: The fatal collision occurred on April 4, around 8:00 p.m., on Gage Avenue near Chalet Drive. According to Bell Gardens Police, Young, a 62-year-old grandmother, was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when a dark-colored sedan struck her. The sedan driver failed to stop and identify themselves, fleeing the scene instead. Responding units from the Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived to find Young unresponsive; despite their efforts, she was pronounced deceased at the site of the accident.
Surveillance and Investigation: Surveillance footage from a nearby store captured the harrowing moment of the crash, offering crucial evidence as authorities continue their search for the driver. The Bell Gardens Police Department, spearheaded by Detective R. Lopez, is conducting a thorough investigation into the fatal incident, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Legal Analysis: Wrongful Death and the Quest for Justice
This tragic event not only highlights the perils pedestrians face but also underscores the legal implications of hit-and-run incidents. The Young family’s quest for justice may involve pursuing a wrongful death claim against the responsible party once identified. Such a claim could compensate the family for burial expenses, loss of companionship, and the emotional distress suffered due to this tragedy.
Community Support: An emotional vigil was held Sunday for Young, who was remembered as a selfless individual who had spent her life in the Bell Gardens area, enriching the lives of those around her with generosity and love. Family and friends, devastated by the loss, gathered to honor her memory and appeal for public assistance in bringing the hit-and-run driver to justice. A GoFundMe has been organized to support Young’s children in laying their mother to rest, reflecting the community’s effort to rally around the family during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, the Bell Gardens Police Department and the Young family hold onto hope that justice will be served. Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities or submit anonymous tips through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Janet Young as they navigate through this devastating time.
News Source: KTLA 5