Metro bus driver in Eagle Rock killed after hit-and-run
A Los Angeles Metro bus driver was killed after a hit-and-run crash in Eagle Rock on Sunday night.
According to Metro officials, around 7:40 p.m., the Metro bus operator was struck by a car while crossing the street during her break.
Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department and first responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene near Colorado Boulevard and Eagle Dale Avenue, but the driver died due to their injuries.
Family members identified the woman as 50-year-old Tanya Perry, of Inglewood.
"She was such a good mom," said Perry's daughter Dana. "She was so kind, warm, welcoming, always smiling. ... Supportive. She was just everything."
She says that her mother wasn't supposed to be working Sunday night, but picked up a shift to make extra money so she could support her small baked goods business. She had been working for Metro for a little over a year and was hoping to retire with the agency, Perry said.
"Metro extends its deepest sympathies to the operator's family, friends and colleagues. Grief counseling is being made available on-site for the operator's coworkers," Metro said.
The LAPD said the car was traveling southbound onto the onramp to the 2 Freeway when it crashed into the driver, who was walking in the eastbound crosswalk. The driver of the car fled the scene.
As their search for the driver continues, Perry's family is urging the driver to come forward and do the right thing.
"Whoever hit her last night, please come forward. My mom was wonderful," Dana Perry said. "I'm not mad at you. Things happen, but take accountability. Take responsibility. The world is hard enough. We forgive you, but please come forward."
A GoFundMe to help them cover funeral expenses can be found by searching for the keywords: "In Loving Memory of Tanya Perry."
Metro said the LAPD will be handling the investigation and asks anyone who may have additional information to contact the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
