A 17-year-old girl who was struck by a hit-and-run driver in the Hyde Park neighborhood died Wednesday morning and a man turned himself in later in the day, Los Angeles police said.
The victim, identified by a cousin as Reanna Goss, was hit about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday near 48th Street and Nine Avenue (map), according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
She was crossing in the middle of the block on 48th Street when she was struck by an eastbound, speeding light-blue Toyota Camry that fled, police said.
Goss was transported to a Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Tuesday in critical condition. She died Wednesday morning, according to Detective S. Smith with LAPD South Traffic Division.
A 30-year-old L.A. man turned himself into authorities in the collision, police said. He was identified at Jesus Palomares Jaime Jr. He was arrested about 9:30 a.m. and was being held on an initial bail amount of $50,000, according to county inmate records.
Morice Richardson, a cousin of the victim, identified Goss to KTLA. Goss has a younger brother and sister, he said.
Family members and friends gathered at a vigil Wednesday evening at the site of the crash.
The victim’s sister collapsed during the vigil and had to be taken to the hospital.
Dozens of balloons and candles were placed that site where she was struck. They were pink, Goss’ favorite color.
Goss went by Annie, according to a fundraiser page on GoFundMe.com set up to help her family. She was a senior at City of Angels school who wanted to open a bakery called “Annie’s Pastries,” the page stated.
“The life of a beautiful, sweet and caring young girl with a beautiful heart and impeccable style has been cut short,” stated the page, apparently created by Richardson.
Goss’ mother, her voice shaking, expressed anger about the hit-and-run nature of her daughter’s death.
“This is happening every single day,” said mother Desiree Gill. “I just want to know, what’s the difference between a bullet and a car?”
The vehicle involved in the crash was found abandoned less than 2 miles from where Goss was struck.
Police said several businesses near the site of the crash had surveillance video that could help in the investigation.
“This area tends to be dark and vehicles tend to speed on 48th street, and these tragedies sometimes happen,” LAPD Sgt. Michael Morales said Tuesday evening. “Drivers need to slow down … and pedestrians, please cross at the crosswalk.”
Donations to help Goss’ family pay for her funeral can be made at gofundme.com/weloveannie.
KTLA’s Jennifer Thang contributed to this article.
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