Loved Ones Mourn Mother Of 3 As Investigators Search For Drivers Suspected In Mid-City Crash
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Family and friends of a young mother of three killed in an early morning crash gathered Wednesday to pay tribute to her in Mid-City.
Expressions of sadness and messages of love were left for Angelyn Cobarrubia as investigators continued to search for two other drivers involved in the crash.
"She just was a beautiful person," Nya Palmer, a friend of the victim's, said. "Whoever came in contact with her, she was a dedicated friend."
Investigators said the accident unfolded just before 2 a.m. Wednesday in the 5200 block of Washington Boulevard.
According to authorities, Cobarrubia's vehicle was rear-ended by a driver of another car, who was suspected of speeding. The impact caused Cobarrubia to lose control, crash into a utility pole, and then overturn.
"Big crash. Big impact. And it was terrible," said Nikki Rawnsley, a neighbor. "You hear it. You feel it. It goes through your soul."
The 32-year-old Cobarrubia was killed, but her 2-year-old daughter survived. A neighbor across the street said he tried to rescue the toddler, who flew out of her car seat and to the front of the car.
"I pulled her away from the driver," Manuel Savinon, the Good Samaritan, said. "Took her out of the car and she started crying and fighting like she wanted her mother and I just held her against my chest and comforted her."
Police said they are searching for two drivers. Specifically, they are looking for the driver who struck Cobarrubia's car, and a second driver who stopped briefly at the scene before leaving.
Investigators are also trying to determine if those drivers were involved in street racing or road rage and are reviewing several pieces of security footage. The LAPD has released video of a "vehicle of interest." They believe the dark-colored sedan seen in the clip belongs to one of two drivers believed to have caused the accident before leaving the scene.
Police said Cobarrubia was not wearing her seat belt, and the child was not buckled into her car seat.
"She's a great mom. Three kids. Three wonderful kids. Everyone's hurting," April Cobarrubia, the victim's sister, said. "She was very careful with her kids in the car. That's why none of this makes sense."
Anyone with information about the crash was asked to call the LAPD's West Traffic Division.
