A Houston family is grieving the sudden loss of 31-year-old Karina Rodriguez, who was killed early Sunday morning in a hit-and-run crash on I-45 North near West Road
HOUSTON — A Houston family is grieving the sudden loss of 31-year-old Karina Rodriguez, who was killed early Sunday morning in a hit-and-run crash on I-45 North near West Road. Karina, a mother of three young girls, was pushing her disabled vehicle when a driver slammed into her and then fled the scene.
“She was trying to get home, and she never made it,” said her sister, Antonia Rodriguez.
Karina had just spent time with a friend before her car broke down in a moving lane. She stepped out to try and push it when police say a green Toyota Tacoma struck the back of the vehicle, throwing her approximately ten feet.
“He didn’t stop to give her no help,” said Rosalinda Rodriguez, another sister.
The driver abandoned the vehicle and took off on foot, according to Houston police. Investigators are still working to identify the suspect.
“We feel like it’s pain and anger,” Antonia said. “Anger they didn’t give her no help. Maybe if they gave her first aid, she would be alive.”
Karina leaves behind three daughters, ages 11, 4, and 3. The family says the children are struggling to understand what happened.
“They ask, ‘When is mommy coming back? When will I see mom?’” one sister shared. The eldest daughter continues to text her mother’s phone. “I even asked her why she texts her. She tells her… I guess she is still waiting for her to come home.”
The Rodriguez family is pleading for the driver to come forward.
“If you did it, turn yourself in,” Rosalinda said. “Maybe your conscience would be in peace. How can you walk like nothing, knowing you left three kids with no mom?”
If you have any information you are told to contact Houston Police or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477. A $5,000 reward is being offered that leads to an arrest.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family.