Daughter Of Hit-And-Run Victim Speaks Out
NEWARK, Del. (CBS) - "I fell to my knees, I couldn't stop crying. I was hysterical and was just anxious to see her," said Rebecca Eldreth.
Eldreth got the call no child expects. Her mother Maria was badly injured by a hit-and-run driver while she was walking to work Monday morning.
"I don't know how another human being can do that and be so negligent about it. Accidents happen, but it's what we do after that we can control."
Fifty-two-year-old Maria was on her way to work at a medical packing company with a friend when a black SUV with Maryland plates struck her and 67-year-old Judith Johnson of Newark from behind and kept going, according to police. The women were walking from the bus stop near Corporate Boulevard and Lake Drive like they had so many times before - this time a little earlier than usual. Judith had only minor injuries and spent much of the day at Christiana Hospital with Maria, who is now on
life support.
"She has no normal functions, can't breath, can't move. She's blind and can't open her eyes," Eldreth said. "She's just there.
She's alive because of the machines, but she' essentially gone."
This 27-year-old is now forced to make some very difficult choices for her mom. Most of their family is in Spain and Rebecca the only relative here.
"I feel like I'm dead inside. She's not just my mother, she's my best friend. There is big whole in my heart."
Even so, Eldreth has found strength through it all and she says that's coming from her mother.
"She's just a very vibrant, loving, beautiful person that will continue on regardless of where she goes."
