72-year-old woman walking to bus stop mowed down by drunk driver who left her ‘laying in the street to die’ because he was terrified: Police

A 72-year-old Arizona woman who was struck by an allegedly drunk and unlicensed driver while walking to a bus stop has died after spending nearly two months battling catastrophic injuries. The case has sparked outrage among friends and community members after investigators revealed that the driver admitted he knew he had hit a person but fled because he was frightened.

The victim, Sherry Hinojosa, died in early June 2026 following the April 19 crash in Phoenix, Arizona. According to police reports and local media coverage, Hinojosa was walking from her senior living community toward a nearby bus stop when she was struck by a vehicle driven by a 24-year-old man.

Fatal Collision Near Senior Living Community

The crash occurred shortly before 7:15 p.m. on April 19 near the intersection of 43rd Avenue and Virginia Avenue in Phoenix. Hinojosa had left her residence at the Phoenix Manor Senior Apartments and was crossing the street on her way to catch a bus. Friends said she was independent and regularly used public transportation.

According to investigators, the driver told police that he saw a woman crossing the roadway but was unable to avoid hitting her. The impact left Hinojosa critically injured in front of a Phoenix fire station.

Witnesses Followed the Driver

Rather than stopping after the collision, the driver allegedly continued driving away from the scene.

Police reports indicate that witnesses immediately called 911 and followed the vehicle for several blocks. The pursuit ended near Thomas Road, where the driver finally stopped and was confronted by authorities.

The actions of those witnesses proved crucial in helping law enforcement quickly identify and locate the suspect.

Driver Allegedly Admitted He Knew He Hit a Person

One of the most disturbing details to emerge from the investigation came from the driver’s own statements to police.

According to the police report, the man admitted that he knew he had struck a person in the roadway. Despite that knowledge, he did not stop to render aid or contact emergency services.

Investigators said the driver told them he fled because he was “so scared.” Police also reportedly described him as appearing “abnormally calm” during the investigation. Officers further noted that they could smell alcohol on his breath.

Driver Allegedly Consumed Alcohol Before Crash

During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted that he had consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel.

According to investigators, he said he drank at least three beers, while another report stated that he told officers he had consumed three or four beers before driving.

Authorities also determined that the driver did not possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the collision.

Criminal Charges Filed

After being taken into custody, the suspect was processed at a Phoenix police precinct.

Records show he was cited on multiple offenses, including:

DUI Charges

Police charged him with two separate DUI-related offenses after determining he had allegedly been driving under the influence of alcohol.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Investigators also charged him with leaving the scene despite allegedly knowing he had struck a pedestrian.

Driving Without a License

Authorities further charged the man with operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license.

Released the Same Night

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, records indicate that the suspect was released from custody on the same day he was arrested. The decision later became a major source of frustration for the victim’s loved ones.

Victim Suffered Horrific Injuries

The crash left Hinojosa with life-threatening injuries that required extensive medical treatment.

Her longtime friend, Joyce Pickens, revealed that Hinojosa suffered an astonishing 27 broken bones along with a serious head injury. The injuries ultimately proved too severe for her to overcome.

After weeks of medical care and recovery efforts, Hinojosa died at a long-term care facility in June 2026.

Friend Describes Anger and Heartbreak

Pickens has become one of the most vocal advocates for accountability in the case.

Speaking to local media, she expressed disbelief that someone could strike a pedestrian and leave without helping.

According to Pickens, the driver “was going to just leave her there laying in the street to die” and simply drove away. She questioned why someone who allegedly knew he had hit another human being would fail to stop and assist.

Pickens also voiced frustration that the suspect was released shortly after his arrest, asking why he was not being held accountable for the death of her friend.

Remembering Sherry Hinojosa

Friends described Hinojosa as an outgoing, independent woman who loved animals and enjoyed maintaining an active lifestyle despite her age. She regularly traveled around Phoenix and was simply attempting to reach a bus stop when tragedy struck.

Her death has left loved ones mourning the loss of a woman they say still had much life ahead of her.

Questions Remain About Future Prosecution

At the time the case received renewed attention following Hinojosa’s death, Phoenix police had not publicly released the name of the driver. Authorities also had not publicly answered questions regarding whether additional or upgraded charges would be pursued following the victim’s death.

With Hinojosa now deceased, friends and supporters continue to call for prosecutors to revisit the case and seek what they believe is appropriate justice.

Community Demands Accountability

The tragedy has reignited conversations about impaired driving, hit-and-run crashes, and penalties for motorists who flee after causing serious injuries.

For those who knew Sherry Hinojosa, the central issue remains simple: a woman walking to a bus stop was struck by a driver who allegedly admitted he had been drinking, knew he hit a person, and chose to keep driving.

As family members and friends prepare to honor Hinojosa’s memory, they continue demanding answers—and accountability—for the decisions that ultimately led to her death.