Police say driver ran red light in crash that killed mom walking near Sacramento school

Investigators have determined a driver ran a red light before a crash that killed a mother two weeks ago as she crossed a street during student pickup time at nearby Phoebe Hearst Elementary School in East Sacramento.

Guadalupe Jimenez, 45, of Elk Grove was struck in the area of a two-vehicle crash about 1:20 p.m. Jan. 13 at the intersection of Folsom Boulevard and 60th Street. Jimenez suffered major injuries in the crash and was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

The Sacramento Police Department investigated the fatal crash involving the pedestrian. Through their investigation, detectives determined the crash was caused by one vehicle entering the intersection against a red traffic light, said Officer Ryan Woo, a Sacramento police spokesman.

The detectives also determined that speed and intoxication were not factors in the crash. Woo said the detectives will be submitting their investigation to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether to file criminal charges in this crash.

The Police Department did not release the names of the drivers. Everyone involved in the crash remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

Bystanders rushed to the mother’s aid after she was struck, according to the Sacramento City Unified School District. Many children and adults witnessed the incident. The school district sent counselors to the school and offered help for students, teachers and parents dealing with trauma and grief.

In an email to parents the day after the crash, School Board Member Leticia Garcia said she’s committed to work with city officials to thoroughly investigate the fatal crash and improve street safety. The school district asked parents to please drive safely, especially in school high-traffic areas.

“Like you, I am devastated that we lost a member of the Phoebe family in a pedestrian accident,” Garcia said in the Jan. 14 email to parents. “Parent pickup is often a joyous time as families reunite after a day of school, and it’s easy to forget the dangers of high speed traffic.”