An 80-year-old woman died on New Year's Eve as she and her husband were crossing a street in El Cajon, police said.
Rosie Mondejar's husband, Merlin Mondejar, walked away from the collision with minor injuries following the crash in the 300 block of West Washington Avenue.
The couple were hit just after 8 p.m. by separate vehicles while crossing the street, El Cajon police reported. Both Mondejars were rushed to the hospital; Rosie died there and Merlin was treated and released.
“I saw bags flying everywhere, and the truck in front of me stopped really abruptly,” said witness Madison Patchett. “There was a guy trapped underneath the car, and he was screaming."
Police said the drivers involved in the collision stayed at the scene and have been cooperative with the investigation. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, police said.
El Cajon police say the couple was not using a crosswalk on the busy road.
Close friends and former neighbors of the Mondejars were stunned to hear about the crash.
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"Rosie was the most caring person in the world," said Bonnie Dines. "She would go out of her way to help people."
Gary Dines said the Mondejar family is devestated over their great loss.
"She was one of the nicest people that I ever knew, and she was so friendly and kind, and she was a great cook too," he said.
Gary told NBC 7 this is the second death the family has had in recent years. Merlin and Rosie lost their daughter suddenly, leaving the couple to care for their grandchildren and great grandchildren before moving to El Cajon.
"You know on New Year's Eve, on a day we should be celebrating, we are mourning her loss," said Gary.
To prevent other deaths like this one, police issued the following warning:
"Always cross at intersections controlled by traffic control devices and crosswalks," a police news release said. "When walking at night, wear bright or reflective colors that are more visible to drivers."
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral expenses for Mondejar. You can donate here.
