LOCAL NEWS

Family remembers woman killed in hit-and-run while police search for driver

Oct 17, 2023, 9:50 PM | Updated: Oct 18, 2023, 6:31 am

SALT LAKE CITY — The family of a Utah woman killed while crossing Redwood Road last week remembers her as a free spirit and they hope police find the person who hit her.

“Vanessa was very mystical, I guess is the best word,” said Johna Smith, Vanessa David’s cousin. She said Vanessa and her two brothers had a rough life growing up and lost both parents when they were young.

She said Vanessa’s older brother, Christopher, who, like Vanessa, had fallen victim to addiction and homelessness, was killed last year in Las Vegas. The man accused of killing him is awaiting his murder trial. She says the news of Vanessa’s death is devastating.

“My grandmother asked me eight years ago, (you need) to find these kids and bring them back home,” Smith said it was her late grandmother’s dying wish.

She says she reconnected with the David siblings at that time, but couldn’t help their struggles with addiction. Now she remembers both as loving and pure in heart.

“They always saw life as beautiful and nature as beautiful and that every person mattered,” Smith said. Now, despite her cousin’s homelessness, she hopes police track down the person who hit her.

Police have released new information in the case, including a description of the car and license plate. On Tuesday night, officers located the brown 2008 Honda Civic and impounded it for evidence. However, the driver has not been located.

Smith said she worried about her cousin every day and is now haunted by not knowing if the person responsible could have saved Vanessa.

“If, God forbid, this person might have stopped, could he have saved her?” Smith said. “We don’t know.”

She said she’s thankful for the belief that the siblings are together again, safe, and with their parents. Still, she wishes she could have done more.

“We want people to start being aware of how addiction and how homelessness, can destroy, and you can see in our case, a family, how much it can destroy a family.”

The family has set up a GoFundMe* to help with burial costs.


*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree visits Wheeler Historic Farm during the 2024 Whistlestop Tour “Pe...

Alton Barnhart

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrives at Wheeler Farm

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree visits Wheeler Historic Farm during the 2024 Whistlestop Tour “People’s Tree” on Saturday. 

22 minutes ago

A West Jordan police vehicle is pictured in West Jordan on Thursday, March 25, 2021....

Kennedy Camarena

Man in stable condition after West Jordan officer-involved shooting

A man is in stable condition after police say an officer shot the man before he could run into a house with children inside while holding a weapon.

1 hour ago

A water main in Provo broke on the morning of Friday, Nov. leaving several houses in the Rock Canyo...

Alton Barnhart

Water restored to homes in Provo after water main break caused shutoff

A water main in Provo broke Friday morning, leaving several houses in the Rock Canyon Area without water.

2 hours ago

Board-certified music therapist Rachel Lighty helps a student play the guitar during a music therap...

Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com

Creative arts therapy classes at the U. help those interested in the field

University of Utah President Taylor Randall has called on his faculty and staff to create more opportunities for community engagement, provide the community with what it asks for, and meet the community where it is.

4 hours ago

Members of the First Presidency, President Russell M. Nelson (center), with President Dallin H. Oak...

Mark Jones

Tickets, viewing options released for First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released ticket and viewing options for the annual First Presidency's Christmas Devotional.

16 hours ago

Two Delta Airlines planes pass by each other on the tarmac at Salt Lake City International Airport ...

Josuee Sanchez, KSL NewsRadio

Delta Airlines rolls out new touchless digital ID program

Delta Air Lines has rolled out a new touchless digital ID program in the Salt Lake City International Airport aimed at streamlining the security process. 

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

family having fun at home...

Lighting Design

Discover the impact of lighting on your mood

From color temperature to lighting saturation, we tackle how different lighting design setups can impact your day-to-day mood.

Laptops in a modern technology store. Department of computers in the electronics store. Choosing a ...

PC Laptops

How to choose the best laptop for college students

Finding the right laptop for college students can be hard, but with this guide we break down what to look for so you can find the best one.

young male technician is repairing a printer at office...

Les Olson

Unraveling the dilemma between leasing and buying office technology

Carefully weigh these pros and cons to make an informed decision that best suits your business growth and day-to-day operation. 

A kitchen in a modern farmhouse....

Lighting Design

A room-by-room lighting guide for your home

Bookmark this room-by-room lighting guide whenever you decide to upgrade your lighting or style a new home.

Photo courtesy of Artists of Ballet West...

Ballet West

The rising demand for ballet tickets: why they’re harder to get

Ballet West’s box office is experiencing demand they’ve never seen before, leaving many interested patrons unable to secure tickets they want.

Family remembers woman killed in hit-and-run while police search for driver