A Kansas City, Kansas family is desperate for answers following a hit-and-run accident that left their loved one with severe injuries.
Norma Tarin decided to leave the Día de los Muertos celebration parade at around 7 p.m. on Central Avenue so that she could make her way back to her daughter’s car.
Tarin was hit by the vehicle at the intersection of South Bethany Street and Lowell Avenue.
The photograph was taken by Brian Luton of KSHB 41.
Denisse Vazquez, the niece of the woman, was among the numerous family members who attended the parade. Denisse Vazquez is credited for the image.
After the crash, Tarin immediately reached out to her daughter, Vanessa, who happens to be her cousin as well.
Vazquez shared that his cousin received a call from her, where she mentioned being involved in an accident. However, apart from this information, they are unsure about the details of the incident. Tarin’s daughter informed the rest of the family about the incident.
According to Vazquez, the woman reported that she was struck by a vehicle. Despite the incident, she managed to pull herself out of the road and even had the energy to stand up and make her way to the car, where she patiently waited for Vazquez’s cousin to arrive.
On Saturday night, her family lodged a police report. Tarin received treatment at a hospital on Sunday.
According to Vazquez, the woman is experiencing significant discomfort, including broken ribs, three fractures on her spine, and a swollen face with a prominent bump on her head. She is also finding it difficult to speak due to her injuries.
On Sunday morning, Vazquez and her family took the initiative to visit the neighborhood residents, seeking any potential surveillance footage or information regarding the crash.
Brian Luton from KSHB 41 captured this incredible moment.
“We are actively searching for the individual who struck her,” Vazquez expressed. “It baffles me why people who witnessed the incident didn’t offer assistance. I wonder if someone attempted to help her or if they assumed she could simply get up and walk away.”
Denisse finds it hard to accept the absence of compassion.
Vazquez expressed her disbelief at how someone could hit another person and not bother to check if they were alright. According to her, her aunt is in her 50s and already managing a lot.
Vazquez revealed that in addition to everything else happening, the individual has been bravely fighting breast cancer. Vazquez hopes to raise awareness about a way people can offer their assistance.
“We encourage anyone who may have witnessed anything to please come forward and inform us,” she urged.
