The family of a woman who was killed in a hit and run near Mission Street and Highway 101 in Santa Barbara has started GoFundMe.
Mercedes Perez, 22, was hit by a car while walking in a crosswalk late at night on Oct. 9.
The driver, Leticia Parra De Gastelum, 45, was arrested early in the morning on Oct. 10, according to the CHP.
Perez’s family has raised $42,776 as of Monday afternoon to help cover funeral expenses.
“Mercedes was so young and had so many dreams, plans and beautiful moments still ahead of her,” wrote Alfredo Perez, the organizer of the GoFundMe. “Her unexpected passing has left a deep void in our lives and a pain that is difficult to put into words.”
Investigators determined that drugs and alcohol were not contributing factors in the crash, said Jonathan Gutierrez, public information officer for the CHP.
Gutierrez added that the crash remains under investigation.
