Los Angeles

70-Year-Old Nun Struck in Boyle Heights Hit-and-Run Dies

Sister Diaz was using the crosswalk when she was struck.

A 70-year-old nun who was struck by a hit-and-run driver died Sunday as police continued to search for the driver, police said.

Sister Raquel Diaz, a nun for 50 years, was on her way back to church for mass around 5:20 p.m. when a car struck her as she walked in a crosswalk at Winter Street and North Evergreen Avenue in Boyle Heights.

The driver did not stop, and kept driving south down North Evergreen Avenue.

Paramedics took Diaz to the hospital where she remained in critical condition until her death.

Police said Monday night they had a different description of the vehicle than previously reported. Police said the suspected vehicle is a white vehicle, possible a Nissan or Toyota.

Diaz was the director of religious education at the Church of Assumption, and a Sister with the Los Angeles Diocese.

Community members said Diaz had been an important figure in their community for more than 30 years and always encouraged children to excel.

No suspect description was available, but police were offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Anyone with information on the hit-and-run was encouraged to call authorities at (213) 833-3713, Detective Padilla at (213) 486-0753 or Officer Cortez at (213) 486-0766. 

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