Midland Mayor Lori Blong is mourning the death of Elizabeth G. Ramirez, 23, who was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing the street after midnight on Aug. 18, and has extended condolences to her family, the mayor said in an Aug. 28 Facebook post.
"Our hearts go out to the Ramirez family for the loss of their daughter, Elizabeth,” Blong said. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with her parents as they cope with this tragic loss of life."
“Losing a child is one of the most difficult and unnatural things for a parent to have to endure,” Blong said. “We want to assure Elizabeth’s family and friends that the MPD (Midland Police Department) will continue to work through the investigation and will keep them informed every step of the way.”
The incident occurred at 12:18 a.m. between Godfrey Street and Tarleston Street off West Wadley Avenue, Odessa NBC affiliate KWES Channel 9 reported. The Midland Fire Department (MFD) transported Ramirez to a Lubbock hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on Aug. 26, the news station reported.
KWES said Ramirez’s family has issues with how the MPD is handling the case. Odessa ABC affiliate KMID Channel 2 and FOX affiliate KPEJ Channel 24 report that the investigation is ongoing. The stations said the Ramirez family, who knew the woman as “Lizzie,” created a GoFundMe page to help with expenses arising from the incident.
The page has a goal of raising $10,000, with $5,210 raised as of Aug. 31.
“Our hearts break to write that Lizzie has gone to be with her Savior and is healed of her earthly wounds and pain,” Kendra Alexander, the GoFundMe organizer, wrote. “Please continue to pray for her family, for God to wrap his loving arms around them and surround them with peace, understanding and love as they navigate through their bereavement and loss.”