‘Struggling’ Richland mother of 5 killed in hit-and-run was ‘happy soul’
Kennewick police continue to work to identify the driver in the hit-and-run death of a young Richland mother of five.
A GoFundMe has been started for Angelica Morfin-Barajas, 31, who died after being run over by two vehicles early in the morning of Nov. 1 on West Canal Drive in Kennewick.
She was crossing Canal Drive near North Lyle Street several blocks east of the Zintel Creek Golf Course shortly after midnight.
Friends posted on social media that Morfin-Barajas was a “struggling mother,” but a “happy soul” who was working to improve her living circumstances.
Her mother posted in Spanish that her daughter had suffered, but was joyful and radiated energy. “If one door closed, she opened three,” her mother posted.
The online fundraiser said Morfin-Barajas’ family is devastated and unprepared for the unexpected funeral expenses.
“Angelica was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend,” it said.
The first vehicle, likely an SUV or truck, that hit her did not stop or call for help. She was hit by another vehicle as she was on the roadway.
The second driver stopped, and 911 was called.
Police officers and firefighters attempted to save her life, but she died before she could be taken to a hospital.
“(Morfin-Barajas) deserved dignity, care and compassion — the same humanity she always showed others,” said the GoFundMe.
“... (I)f you saw anything, know anything, or know someone who does, please speak up,” it said. “Angelica and her family deserve justice and answers.”
Police are looking for a red or maroon SUV or truck, likely with damage to the front left side and grill area. They believe the front left headlight and turn signal lens were shattered in the crash.
Police have asked residents on Canal Drive to review any camera footage between 12 and 12:30 a.m. Saturday that may have caught an image of the first vehicle to hit the woman who died.
Anyone with information is asked to call 509-628-0333.
The fundraiser is at bit.ly/AngelicaMorfin.