Santa Monica Woman Killed In Hit-And-Run On 30th Birthday
SANTA MONICA (CBS) — Police are looking for the man suspected in a tragic hit-and-run accident in Santa Monica.
Claire Rose, a Pilates teacher who would have turned 30 years old Monday, was struck by a car around 12:15 a.m. that same day while crossing Wilshire Boulevard and 21st Street.
Police said the driver didn't stop and sped through city streets as an eyewitness tried to get the person to stop.
Sascha Rasmussen was Rose's boyfriend of six years. He told KCAL9's Melissa McCarty about his initial conversations with police.
"They said he launched her 50 feet. (It) just kills me because she was so small and fragile," Rasmussen said. "To do something like that is so wrong. Now she's gone and I'll never get her back."
Rose died around 4 a.m. at UCLA Medical Center.
Rasmussen said he is holding lasting images of Rose close to his heart.
"I found her so interesting and wonderful to be with every day," he said. "God, I miss her so much. I don't understand."
A vigil in Rose's honor was scheduled to be held Tuesday night at the crash site.
Police described the suspect's vehicle as a charcoal gray or black Toyota or similar type sedan, which will have damage to the front grill, hood and driver side headlight.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigators Chris Dawson or Jason Olson at (310) 458-8954, Sergeant Phillbo Rubish at (310) 458-8950 or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8495.
