MIAMI – A Florida International University doctoral student died from the injuries she suffered in a hit-and-run crash.
A driver hit Melita Jaric, 43, in the 4200 block of Southwest 11th Street about 4 p.m. Friday, according to the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Jaric, of Serbia, died from her injuries at Jackson Memorial Hospital Monday.
"If someone could have picked her up, if someone could have taken her to the hospital, maybe we would have had her today in some condition," said Natasa Jaric, the victim's sister. "It's a beautiful life lost. There is no way back."
Police released 911 calls made following the crash.
"Somebody has hit a person -- is on the street. I need an ambulance," said a caller claiming to be Jaric's neighbor. "She's barely breathing through the blood."
However, a description of the vehicle that hit Jaric wasn't immediately released.
Jaric attended Florida International University, where she was working on a doctoral degree. She was the oldest of three sisters.
The university president issued a statement Monday, saying: "We are deeply saddened by the news that we have lost a member of our FIU family. Melita Jaric was a bright doctoral student with a promising future that was cut short by this senseless tragedy. She used her analytical and computer skills to do important research for the benefit of people suffering from lung disease. She was driven, dedicated and curious about the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time."