Police investigate fatal hit-and-run crash in Miami

MIAMI – Miami police are investigating a fatal hit-and run crash in Miami.

Officer Michael Vega said Hilda Garcia was crossing Northwest 37th Avenue and Northwest Ninth Street about 10:15 p.m. Sunday when she was struck by a vehicle traveling north on Northwest 37th Avenue.

Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene.

Garcia's nephew, Tony Bolano, said his aunt was just four days shy of her 78th birthday.

"They're supposed to stop over there," Garcia's sister, Mireya Bolano, said. "This is not fair. They killed my sister."

Northwest 37th Avenue was closed between Northwest Seventh and Northwest 11th streets during the death investigation. The stretch of Northwest 37th Avenue reopened shortly before 5:30 a.m. Monday.

Garcia's son said he got the news about his mother as he was heading to the crosswalk to help walk her safely across. He said he called his cousin immediately after the crash.

"Bottom line is, they've destroyed a family," Bolano said. "My mom is falling apart. My cousin, who is her son, has lost the only thing he has. I've lost my aunt. We've all lost somebody very special."

Police are searching for the hit-and-run driver.

Anyone with further information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.