BELLEVUE, Wash. — The Bellevue Police Department (BPD) is looking for the driver of an SUV involved in a hit-and-run crash that left a 71-year-old woman hospitalized.
The crash took place on Nov. 6 just after 6 p.m. on the 1600 block of 156th Ave NE. The woman, identified as Shyamali by her coworkers, was struck while crossing the street. According to the BPD, the area was dark, she was not in a crosswalk, and the footage suggests the driver may not have seen her.
Shyamali sustained multiple injuries. Her coworkers at a daycare set up a GoFundMe to help with her recovery. The GoFundMe has surpassed the $100,000 goal.
"We recently visited her, and while she’s staying strong, her recovery will be a long journey," a post on the GoFundMe read. "She has already undergone surgery and is not yet able to eat, facing significant challenges ahead. With her permission, we’ve set up this fundraiser to provide support, and 100% of the funds will go directly to Ms. Shyamali to help cover her medical and recovery needs."
Authorities called for public assistance on Nov. 7 to identify the driver. Traffic cameras captured the incident.
BPD spokesperson Drew Anderson emphasized how fortunate it is the victim survived. He said investigators are still piecing together details on what happened in the hit-and-run.
"We’re trying to determine exactly what happened," Anderson said. "It’s important for us to speak to the driver to understand their side."
Anyone with information was asked to call the Bellevue Police Department non-emergency line at 425-577-5656
