Loved ones are mourning a mother who died from her injuries after she was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle and then a second vehicle that remained at the scene in West Philadelphia.
Darlene Gaston, 58, was crossing the intersection at 49th Street and Lancaster Avenue at 8:18 p.m. on Tuesday when she was hit by a speeding white Mitsubishi traveling westbound, according to police. The crash launched Gaston into the air, causing her to land in the eastbound lanes where she was struck by a second vehicle, a gold Nissan, investigators said.
The driver of the white Mitsubishi fled the scene while the driver of the Nissan remained, police said. Gaston was pronounced dead by responding medics at 8:20 p.m.
The white Mitsubishi was later found damaged after it struck a pole at Belmont Mansion Drive and Belmont Avenue in Fairmount Park, about two miles from the scene of the hit-and-run. The driver is still on the loose however.
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Police interviewed witnesses and the driver of the Nissan. They are also looking through surveillance video from nearby businesses.
Gaston's sister, Michelle Alexander, spoke with NBC10 on Wednesday.
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"She was a people person. She connected with people instantly," Alexander said. "Had a heart of gold. Always willing to help people."
Alexander said her sister was buying and delivering groceries for disabled clients at the time of the deadly crash.
"I had just got off the phone with my sister and she was telling me she was on her way home because she was tired and she wanted to get some rest," Alexander said.
Despite her sorrow, Alexander told NBC10 she's not angry at the driver.
"I forgive that person," she said. "I really do. I really do."
Philadelphia Police told NBC10 there have been a total of 914 hit-and-run crashes so far this year with four of them fatal.
If you have any information on Tuesday's hit-and-run, please call Philadelphia Police.
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