Friends Mourn Mother, Daughter Struck And Killed By SUV In West Hills

WEST HILLS (CBSLA.com) — Family and friends are mourning the deaths of a mother and daughter struck and killed Monday night by an SUV in West Hills.

A group from the Encino Insurance office Tuesday paid respects to a co-worker at the corner of Roscoe Boulevard and Jason Avenue.

That is where a 31-year-old woman, her 69-year-old mother and their dog were killed shortly after 8 p.m. on Monday as they were trying to cross Roscoe Boulevard.

Diane Yamashita, the mother's supervisor, said she was "very sweet, loving, always thought of others. She would cut flowers and put little vases on different people's desks in the reception area. She was always thinking of others."

Devin Coury said he saw the deadly crash from afar. "There was no braking from what I saw. They walked out, almost looked like they walked into the car."

Police said the women and their dog were in a clearly marked crosswalk when the SUV hit them.

The driver stopped and cooperated with investigators, who are not charging him in what witnesses called a tragic accident.

"The guy was very remorseful. He was hysterical," one witness said. Investigators said the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He was not on his cell phone and was not speeding at the time of the crash.

Neighbors said the crosswalk is not effective because there is no street light above it.

Janice Otis said: "I usually try to dress with very bright fluorescent sort of bright colors. The reason why I do that is to hopefully be noticed by people driving on the roads."

Friends said the mother adored her grandchild and often shared the blooms in her garden.