NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford police say they have made a “significant breakthrough” in the hit-and-run that killed a 33-year-old New Bedford mother early New Year’s Day and have seized the vehicle involved.
Police said they “have identified, located and seized the vehicle involved in this incident. We are continuing to sort out the events that occurred during this horrific tragedy and expect justice will be served swiftly.”
“Our hearts go out to the family. A life of promise was needlessly cut short,” New Bedford Police Chief Jason Soddy said in a social media post. “I would like to commend the work of our detectives and highlight the effectiveness of the partnership to date with State Police and District Attorney’s Office personnel. Their swift pursuit of justice for Nicholasa and his family exemplifies the compassion and dedication of all agencies involved.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to pay for the memorial service and burial in Guatemala for Nicolasa Ventura Colaj, a 33-year-old mother of three who died after leaving a church shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day.
She had just finished worship services at the Latin American Pentecostal Church, 1805 Acushnet Ave., and was celebrating the New Year with her family.
A GoFundMe has been set up to pay for the memorial service and burial in Guatemala for Nicolasa Ventura Colaj, a 33-year-old mother of three who died after leaving a church shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day.
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, as Koragi was crossing the street, she was struck by an SUV and thrown a considerable distance. The SUV then fled the area.
Koraj was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Colaj is survived by her husband, Antonio Colaj Olmos, a 4-year-old daughter and two sons, ages 11 and 15.
A loving mother and God-fearing woman
She was remembered as “a loving mother and a God-fearing woman. She made everyone happy when she walked into a room and she always lightened the atmosphere. Nicolasa always had a smile and she was generous. She was an exemplary and virtuous woman.”
Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores executive director Adrian Ventura said Nicolasa is a member of CCT, an organization that advocates for the rights of migrant workers.
He said her death had caused great distress to her family and shocked the community. He called for unity and justice on her behalf.
Meeting outside the church on Saturday
Ventura said a meeting will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. outside the church at 1805 Acushnet Ave. to support and pray for Nicholasa in her quest for justice.
This article originally appeared in The Standard-Times: Police make ‘breakthrough’ in fatal New Bedford hit-and-run