Woman Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver On 105 Freeway In Willowbrook

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Officers sought the public's help Friday in locating the driver involved in a hit-and-run accident, which killed a 61-year-old woman in Willowbrook on Christmas night.

According to the California Highway Patrol, South Los Angeles officers were sent around 11:45 p.m. Thursday for report of a traffic collision with injuries located on the Eastbound 105 Freeway, just east of Wilmington Avenue.

Once on scene, officials located a woman, identified as Kathleen Marie Cook, of South Gate, suffering from blunt force trauma. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

A preliminary investigation revealed Cook was standing outside her black 1990 Mercury Cougar, which was parked on the right shoulder, when the suspect struck the victim with their vehicle.

On Friday afternoon, CBS2's Peter Daut reported that officers said the collision threw the victim out of her sandals and into traffic lanes, and the suspect fled from the scene.

While Cook's family did not want to speak on camera, they said she leaves behind a daughter.

Officials described the suspect vehicle as a dark pickup truck, which is likely to have moderate to major damage on the front end.

CHP officers closed a portion of the freeway this morning during while they remained on scene.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crime is urged to contact officers at (310) 516-3355.