Beloved Dancer, Actress Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash While Helping Wounded Animal In Road
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Police need the public's help to find the drivers in a hit-and-run crash that killed a ballet dancer and teacher of disabled children.
Zina Feeley, 66, known professionally as Zina Bethune, had stopped on Forest Lawn Drive to check on a small animal lying in the other side of road. As she walked toward the fallen animal, she was struck by a car, throwing her backwards, where she was struck by a second car and dragged for more than 600 feet, Los Angeles Police traffic detectives said.
"I know if she drove by a deceased animal her heart would break," Bethune's friend Paula Woodley said.
The drivers of several cars stopped to help, but it could not be determined which car was involved in the second crash.
Detectives believe a white car was seen leaving the scene right after the second crash.
Feeley was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
"You know, I feel like the air left the room. How do you breathe after losing your best friend?" Woodley said of Bethune.
The acclaimed dancer overcame scoliosis and lymphedema to perform with the New York City Ballet at 14 years old. Bethune also worked as an actress in television and movies.
Bethune graced the stage with her elegance and touched hearts with her generosity. In 1982, she launched Infinite Dreams, a dance and drama outreach program for children with disabilities.
Bethune's husband was too upset to speak on camera but told KCAL9 that he lost the love of his life -- and his dance partner. The couple was married for 42 years.
