Santa Ana police identify woman struck, killed by trash truck

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- Santa Ana police have identified the 69-year-old woman who was struck and killed by a trash truck driver.

The crash happened just before 8 a.m. Wednesday in a residential neighborhood in the area of Shelton and Bishop streets, near Pio Pico Elementary School.

Santa Ana police said the woman was crossing the street when she was struck by a trash truck. The victim was decapitated in the crash.

Police identified the victim as Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga of Santa Ana.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover funeral costs for the 69-year-old. Loved ones said she was a pancreatic cancer survivor who leaves behind eight grandchildren.

"For those who knew her, you know how loving, caring, and strong she was... Losing her so suddenly has left us in complete shock," the GoFundMe page said. "She leaves behind a heavy void in our hearts that can never be filled."

The driver of the truck stayed at the scene and cooperated in the investigation, according to police.