SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A beloved grandmother and community icon has been taken off life support, days after a hit-and-run crash in Logan Heights.
"Always really happy, an outgoing person," said Brianda Ramos.
Maria Estrada Romero, 52, was a mother of five and a grandmother of five.
"Really sad. It's been really bad," said Ramos, Estrada Romero's daughter.
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Ramos remembers the crippling call late Friday morning. Family members rushed to the hospital after learning Estrada Romero had been struck by a hit-and-run driver. She was walking near Cesar Chavez Parkway, headed to a bus stop. According to police, a white Ford F-150 turning right onto Kearney Avenue climbed onto the sidewalk and hit her, before taking off.
"The driver never got out of the truck. Basically left her right there," said Ramos.
The scene that first day at the hospital: a packed emergency room, as family, friends, and customers turned out.
"They loved her because she sold really good food," said Ramos.
For more than a decade, Estrada Romero became well-known for selling tamales at parks and schools in Southcrest and Bay Terraces. Some of those customers heard about the crash and joined the family at the hospital.
"In a way I was happy to know they were here with us, supporting us," said Estrada Romero.
On Sunday night, Estrada Romero was taken off life support. Today, a family searches for justice.
"Needs to turn himself in and pay ... pay for what he did to my mother," said Ramos.
Police say the truck had a tinted back window and a white California sticker. Anyone with information is asked to call San Diego Police at 619-531-2000.
A Gofundme campaignhas been set up to help the family with expenses.
