Century City Family Grieves Loss of Grandmother in Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident

Share and Follow

A memorial of white flowers now stands at the crossroads of Pico Boulevard and Fox Hills Drive in Century City, marking the tragic spot where 73-year-old Rima Manucharyan was fatally hit by a vehicle on Friday evening. She was crossing the street with her husband at the time of the incident.

The beloved grandmother of five was in a designated crosswalk when she was struck by a black Audi, believed to be either a Q3 or Q5 model, which then sped away, leaving her gravely injured.

While Manucharyan’s husband managed to make it to the median unscathed, the driver did not pause or return to assist.

The family recounted the moments following the accident as being filled with turmoil and heartbreak. Tatiana Vershinina, Manucharyan’s granddaughter, shared that her grandfather was in a state of “hysteria” and was unwilling to leave his wife’s side while desperately trying to aid her.

Rima was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family rushed to be by her side once they were notified.

“I saw her, it was traumatizing…. I can’t even get the image out of my head,” she said. “There weren’t even skid marks on the street so the driver didn’t even slow down. The driver just kept going.”

Grace Vershinina, Manucharyan’s daughter, said the lack of assistance from the driver compounded the pain. “Maybe if the driver stopped and took her to the hospital, we [wouldn’t] have to wait for paramedics. Maybe he could have saved her life,” she said.

Manucharyan, described by her family as the “glue of the whole family,” leaves behind her husband, four children, and five grandchildren.

Tatiana said, “[They] just took her away like that. It still doesn’t feel real… It’s a horrible nightmare.”

Her mother, Grace, added, “I just really hope that we’ll find this person… at least apologize. You took my mom away from us.”

73-year-old grandmother, Rima Manucharyan, who was killed in a Century City crosswalk in a hit-and-run. (KTLA)
Pictured above is Rima Manucharyan with her granddaughter. (KTLA)
Pictured above is Rima Manucharyan with her granddaughter and daughter. (KTLA)
Pictured above is the vehicle that fatally struck Rima Manucharyan. (KTLA)
The scene of the crime in Culver City where Rima Manucharyan was killed in a hit-and-run. (KTLA)
The scene of the crime in Culver City where Rima Manucharyan was killed in a hit-and-run. (KTLA)
The scene of the crime in Culver City where Rima Manucharyan was killed in a hit-and-run. (KTLA)

In the wake of the tragedy, the family has also set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. The page states, “Our hearts are shattered. Rima was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who always put others first. She brought light, warmth, and kindness to everyone she met.”

The fundraiser is intended to assist with funeral and burial costs as well as memorial service expenses, and the family has asked that it be shared to reach others who knew and loved Rima.

The Los Angeles Police Department is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the driver, who remains at large.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact West Traffic Detectives at (213) 473-0234. During non-business hours or weekends, callers can reach 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), going online, or using the “P3 Tips” mobile app.

Carlos Saucedo’s reporting contributed to this article.