Sarah Poplasky Obituary, Death; Authorities in Modesto, California have identified the woman killed in a tragic hit-and-run crash last week as Sarah Poplasky, 44, while also appealing to the public for help in locating the driver responsible for fleeing the scene.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal incident occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. on April 24 along Riverside Drive, south of Nathan Avenue. Officers arrived to find Poplasky in the roadway with severe injuries consistent with being struck by multiple vehicles. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Investigators reported that Poplasky was initially standing on the east shoulder of Riverside Drive before entering the roadway and moving into the path of northbound traffic. She was first struck by a 2000 Ford pickup truck driven by a 59-year-old Modesto man, who remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
After the initial collision, she came to rest in the northbound lane, where she was then struck by a second vehicle—a white sedan, possibly a Nissan or another imported model—that did not stop and fled the area immediately after impact.
Authorities say the second driver remains unidentified, and investigators are actively searching for the vehicle, which may have visible damage to its lower front bumper. It was last seen heading northbound on Riverside Drive following the crash.
In a preliminary statement, CHP noted that evidence suggests Poplasky may have entered the roadway intentionally, though officials emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and no final conclusions have been made.
The intersection of Riverside Drive and Nathan Avenue was closed for roughly 90 minutes as emergency crews and investigators processed the scene.
The California Highway Patrol is urging anyone with information about the white sedan or the crash to contact Detective Aaron Norseen at 209-545-7440 as the search for answers continues.
As Modesto, California mourns the loss of Sarah Poplasky, loved ones are left grieving a life cut short and hoping for accountability in a case that has deeply shaken the community.