COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — A young woman who was critically injured when a driver in a pickup truck crashed into her last week has died.
The Commerce City Police Department shared on social media on Sept. 13 that an 18-year-old woman was crossing East 64th Avenue near the 5100 block that evening when an unlicensed driver in a pickup truck hit her.
The woman was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, police said.
Family members identified that woman as Isabella Salas Morales. Family friends described her as a beautiful, brilliant star, with a presence that emanated light. They said she loved her family fiercely.
Salas Morales went to college in the mornings and worked at a restaurant in the evenings to help support them.
Her mother told 9NEWS that Isabella volunteered at a local food bank, was helpful, obedient and brought so much honor to her family.
Police said the 15-year-old driver, who only had a learner's permit, left the scene initially but returned with his parents.
On Thursday, police said the woman had died and that she was crossing the street where there was no crosswalk. According to police, speed and driver impairment do not appear to have played a role in the crash.
The crash is still under investigation. Police said they will determine the appropriate charges and recommend them to the Adams County District Attorney's Office.
Family friends have created a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs.