Quincy Teacher, 23, Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver In Maine Hit-And-Run
YORK, MAINE (CBS) -- A 23-year-old Quincy woman was killed early Tuesday morning when she was struck by an allegedly drunk driver while walking along a street in Maine, police say.
York police said they were called just after midnight to Ridge Road, where a vehicle hit the woman walking with her boyfriend in the shoulder area of the street before fleeing the scene.
Emily Zarnoch, of Quincy, died at a local hospital from her injuries. Zarnoch was set to start teaching this fall at Central Middle School In Quincy where she had been substitute teaching.
"No matter who you speak to, this girl is a special kid," Quincy Mayor Tom Koch said.
A short time after the crash, officers spotted a vehicle with front-end damage that matched a description from the scene and arrested the driver.
Carolyn Lee, 21, of York, was charged with operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an injury accident. Police say they've also obtained a warrant for manslaughter in the case.
Lee was charged with drunk driving in 2013, but that charge was dismissed as part of a plea deal.
"It's hard to reconcile that. We know life isn't fair always," Emily's father, John Zarnoch, told WBZ-TV about his daughter's death.
Quincy Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard DeCristofaro said Zarnoch had a major impact on the school community.
"She added a tremendous amount to the culture of Central Middle School because of her personality. Just warm, sincere, passionate," said DeCristofaro.
School Resource Officer Gregg Hartnett of the Quincy Police Department raved about Zarnoch's work ethic.
"She put her heart and soul into the job. She was as full of life, always a smile on her face," Hartnett recalled.
Funeral arrangements for Zarnoch have not yet been announced.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports:
