A woman who died after being hit by a car in Texas while attempting to save her boyfriend is being remembered as a hero by her family.
The incident took place on Tuesday evening, July 1, in the 10200 block of Veterans Memorial Drive in northwest Harris County, according to a news release from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
According to authorities, Krystal Calvillo and Daniel Perez were riding their bicycles when a 2020 Toyota Rav 4 hit Perez in the southbound lane.
Calvillo, who was on the west side of the road, witnessed the incident and went over to help Perez, who was lying in the road, according to the news release.
“As Calvillo was checking on Perez, an unknown vehicle struck Calvillo and Perez and fled the scene,” the Houston County Sheriff’s Office said.
Calvillo and Perez were taken to a hospital and pronounced dead as a result of their injuries, according to authorities.
The driver of the Toyota that initially struck Perez remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigation, according to the HCSO, who added that the case is being investigated by the department’s vehicular crimes division.
In an interview with CBS affiliate KHOU, Cavillo’s sister Alexis paid tribute.
“She died trying to help someone,” Alexis said. “So, as I told my nieces and nephew, she died a hero.” She literally gave up her life to try to help someone. That was Krystal. “She had a large heart.”
Jeannette Calvillo, the victim’s mother, urged the alleged driver who fled the scene to turn themselves in to the police, mentioning that her late daughter was a mother of two.
“They killed a mom that has two kids that are going to have to grow up without a mom now,” she claimed, according to KHOU.
The family established a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Krystal’s funeral expenses.
“My sister was tragically taken from us,” wrote Nikki, who was identified in the GoFundMe update as Krystal’s sibling.
“Her boyfriend was hit by a car while riding his bike, and she rushed to help him without hesitation because that is who she was. During that moment of bravery and love, a second car hit them both and drove away. “My sister did not survive her injuries.”
“She was more than just a sister, she was a mother, a friend, a protector,” Nikki wrote in her memoir. “She leaves behind two amazing kids: her 14-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, who are now left trying to make sense of a world without their mum.”
Meanwhile, Perez’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help with their loved one’s funeral expenses, as well as to gather information about the incident.
“He was a loving father, son, and uncle to us,” said Heather Perez, Daniel’s niece. “He was loved. Our family is raising money to give him a proper burial. We are requesting assistance from anyone and everyone during this time of need. He was a good family man who will be greatly missed.
“If anyone has any information on what and how this happened or any footage of the driver that fled, please contact me.” She added:
PEOPLE contacted both GoFundMe organisers for more information on Thursday, July 3.
