White flowers now mark the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Fox Hills Drive in Century City, where 73-year-old Rima Manoucharyan was killed Friday evening while crossing the street with her husband.
The grandmother of five was walking in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by a black Audi, possibly a Q3 or Q5, and fled the scene, sustaining serious injuries.
Manucharyan’s husband was able to reach the broker safely, but the driver did not stop.
The family described the immediate aftermath of the accident as chaotic and devastating. Tatyana Vershinina, Manucharyan’s granddaughter, said her grandfather was “hysterical” and “did not want to leave her” as he tried to help her.
Rima was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family rushed to be by her side as soon as they were notified.
“I saw it, and it was painful… and I can’t even get the image out of my head,” she said. “There weren’t even skid marks on the street, so the driver didn’t even slow down. The driver kept going.”
Grace Vershinina, Manucharyan’s daughter, said the driver’s failure to help exacerbated the pain. Maybe if the driver stopped and took her to the hospital, we would do that [wouldn’t] You must wait for the paramedics. He probably could have saved her life, she said.
Manucharyan, described by her family as “the glue of the entire family,” leaves behind her husband, four children and five grandchildren.
Tatiana said:[They] Just take it away like that. “It’s still not real…it’s a terrible nightmare.”
Her mother, Grace, added: “I really hope we find this person…at least he apologized. You took my mom away from us.”
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Pictured above is Rima Manoucharyan with her granddaughter. (blocks) -
Pictured above is Rima Manoucharyan with her granddaughter and daughter. (blocks) -
Pictured above is the car that fatally struck Rima Manoucharyan. (blocks) -
The crime scene in Culver City where Rima Manoucharyan was killed in a hit-and-run. (blocks)
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The crime scene in Culver City where Rima Manoucharyan was killed in a hit-and-run. (blocks)
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The crime scene in Culver City where Rima Manoucharyan was killed in a hit-and-run. (blocks)
In the wake of the tragedy, the family also set up a foundation GoFundMe page To help cover funeral and memorial expenses. The page read: “Our hearts are broken. Rima was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend who always put others first. She brought light, warmth and kindness to everyone she met.”
The fundraiser aims to help with funeral and burial costs as well as memorial service expenses, and the family has asked that it be shared to reach others who knew and loved Rima.
The Los Angeles Police Department is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver, who remains at large.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to call West Traffic Detectives at (213) 473-0234. During non-business hours or weekends, callers can reach 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through LA Regional Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), and going to connectedOr using the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
Reporting by Carlos Saucedo contributed to this article.