CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Division of Police is asking for the public's help in finding the driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a 41-year-old woman early Wednesday morning and then fled the scene.
According to police, the crash happened around 12:15 a.m. when a tan or gold SUV struck the woman, who was standing in the left lane, as it was heading north on East 55th Street. Police didn't provide a specific location on East 55th Street where the crash occurred.
Family members said the woman who was hit and killed was Lashanda Hood.
"She was a mother of eight. She was the life of the party. She was very giving," said Talika Kidd, Hood's cousin.
Kidd said their family was having a Fourth of July party when the accident occurred.
"She was crossing the street from her car, and as she was coming back, the car, going like 70mph, just hit her. It carried her a block down the street, dropped her off and kept going," said Kidd. "The driver never slowed down, never stopped, never called 911."
She said the entire family witnessed the incident and is traumatized. They're hopeful the driver comes forward.
"If it was an accident, you could’ve stopped, even if you were nervous or scared, but once you keep going and speed off, it's not even an accident anymore," said Venice Traylor, Hood's older sister.
Kidd said the family will petition to get a light or a speed bump on East 55th near Magnet, where Hood was hit.
The vehicle was captured on camera as it traveled through the city. The vehicle has damage to its front grill and hood.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Accident Investigation Unit at 216-623-5295 or Det. Moten at 216-623-5290. You can also reach out to Crime Stoppers at 216-25-CRIME. Tips can be anonymous.
If you'd like to help Lashanda Hood's family with funeral expenses, click here.
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