HOUSTON — Family and friends have identified the woman who was killed in a hit-and-run crash last week.
Lilia Vazquez was considered "a beloved mother and wife and devoted member of the Houston running community," according to friends.
The driver who hit her did not stay at the scene on Friday morning. As of Monday afternoon, they hadn't been caught.
"She had been selected as a local elite runner for the Houston Marathon in January, a testament to her commitment and passion. She also touched countless lives through her work at Baylor over the past four years, where she dedicated herself to helping patients in the physical therapy unit," Erika Taugherm said on a GoFundMe page dedicated to helping raise money for her funeral.
Vazquez was running along Westpark between Fondren Road and Gessner Road around 6:45 a.m. Friday when she was hit and killed. Investigators said she and the vehicle were heading westbound.
People in the area said a lack of sidewalks and limited shoulder room make it dangerous for pedestrians.
"Especially here on this corner -- Jeanetta and Westpark. It's very rough. It's a very dangerous corner," business owner Estaban Anchia said.
Police said it's crucial for people who are exercising to pay extra attention and wear reflective clothing when doing it in an area such as the stretch of Westpark, especially when it's dark.
Vazquez's family said they're heartbroken and hope someone comes forward with information that helps lead them to the person responsible for hitting and killing her.
Family members said Vazquez was a hardworking mother who found joy in running marathons and building up the local running community.
"I just want to fight for her like she would for us -- 'til the very end. I want to get any kind of answer. I know people saw ... there's so many people at that intersection. I know someone had to have seen something and so I just really want to try my very best to get the word out there about her and I know someone will come forward," Vazquez's daughter, Mariana, said.
Family and friends organized an event at Memorial Park on Thursday at 6 p.m. to honor Vazquez.
KHOU 11 News obtained surveillance video showing a woman running along Westpark at Ocee Street around 6:15 a.m. Friday. Vazquez's family said it was her in the video.
"She was always praying. She didn't listen to music when running -- always praying," her daughter said.
They're still grappling with her loss and honoring her memory.
"She was so able to be a positive, happy, encouraging person even when she was going through so much," Mariana said.
Houston's running community is coming together to support the family of the 10-time Houston marathon participant.
"Everyone knew who Lillia was. She was an elite runner. She had a gift for running," friend Brenda Gonzalez said.
Vazquez's daughters said the support has meant the world to them.
"I think that grieving her loss would have been something unimaginable if we hadn't had the support of her friends," Vazquez's daughter, Cecilia, said.
No one can understand how someone could leave her for dead on the side of the road.
"She's just gone way too soon and in a way that is just inhumane. I can't imagine that somebody wouldn't stop to help her," friend Erika Taugher said.
"You left our friend to die. She was by herself on that street," friend Tricia Hernandez said. "We're praying for the person who did this to please have the courage to come forward and own up to what they did."
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers or the Houston Police Department Vehicular Crimes Division at 713-247-4065.