Sarah Poplasky Modesto, CA Car Accident Death: Beloved Resident Has Died

The community of Modesto is mourning the death of Sarah Poplasky, 44, who was killed in a tragic hit-and-run collision on Riverside Drive last week. Her passing has left family, friends, and residents grieving a sudden and devastating loss as investigators continue to search for the driver involved in the second impact.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. on April 24 near Riverside Drive south of Nathan Avenue. Officers arrived to find Poplasky in the roadway with severe injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities stated that Poplasky was initially standing on the east shoulder of Riverside Drive before she entered the roadway and moved into northbound traffic. She was first struck by a 2000 Ford pickup truck driven by a 59-year-old Modesto man, who remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

After the initial collision, she came to rest in the northbound lane, where she was struck a second time by another vehicle traveling behind the pickup. Investigators believe that vehicle to be a white sedan, possibly a Nissan or similar model. The driver of that second vehicle did not stop and fled the scene.

CHP officials are now actively searching for the hit-and-run vehicle, which may have sustained damage to its lower front bumper and was last seen continuing northbound on Riverside Drive. Authorities have released the information publicly in hopes of identifying the driver responsible.

The intersection was temporarily closed for approximately 90 minutes as investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not reached final conclusions regarding the circumstances leading up to the crash.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the white sedan or the incident to contact CHP Modesto Detective Aaron Norsen at 209-545-7440.

Sarah Poplasky will be remembered by loved ones as her community continues to seek answers and accountability in the wake of this tragic loss.

Disclaimer: This obituary-style report is a composed narrative based on provided information and is intended for editorial or commemorative purposes.