Hit-and-run driver sought in death of hospice nurse in Rialto

RIALTO, Calif. (KABC) -- A family is urging the public to help them find a hit-and-run driver who left a woman to die just days before her birthday in Rialto.

Leesie Smith pointed to happier times with her sister Amber Johnson. The coffee table at their mother's home was filled with pictures of the 33-year-old and her six siblings.

Johnson was a hospice nurse, who cared for those during their last moments of life. On Monday, she was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver.

"Who did this didn't give Amber the same respect or dignity that she had given to so many of her patients and of their families. She was left alone," Smith said.

She was found along a stretch of Riverside Avenue near Cedar Drive. Police said she was walking around at 5 a.m. when she was hit. A piece of the car's antenna and passenger side mirror was found at the scene.

Authorities said they believe the car was a 1990s to early 2000s Chevrolet or GMC product, possibly a Suburban, Tahoe or a truck.

On Wednesday, Johnson would have celebrated her 34th birthday, which has made it especially emotional for her family. They took some solace in their faith.

They also had a message for the driver.

"We love her so much and you took her from us. You hit her and you kept going. We would like for you to come forward," her mother, Rose Johnson, said.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist her family with funeral expenses and can be found at www.gofundme.com/amber-johnson-memorial-fund.

The Rialto Police Department is asking anyone with more information to contact them at (909) 820-2550.