Hit and run accident kills 50-year-old woman in Eastpointe

Hit and run accident kills 50-year-old woman in Eastpointe

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By Maurielle Lue
Fox 2 News

EASTPOINTE, Mich. (WJBK) -- A diamond cross has taken on new meaning.  It was a gift from Justin Kovalcik's mother, who was tragically killed Tuesday night in a hit and run accident at Eight Mile and Gratiot in Eastpointe.

"I definitely will miss her, and I have to bury my mom at 20 years old.  It sucks," Kovalcik said.  "That was a very good woman that passed away."

50-year-old Shelly Hackbarth was on foot crossing westbound Eight Mile near Gratiot when she was struck by a white or silver Dodge Intrepid.  Police are talking to witnesses and reviewing surveillance video, but so far no arrest has been made.

Kovalcik's 21st birthday is next week, a milestone he had hoped to celebrate with his mother.  Hackbarth loved to smile and watch funny movies, but most of all she loved her son.  He spoke with her just three hours before she died.  He never imagined it would be their last conversation.

"Every time I was around her, I felt like she was my best friend, and she really was important to me," said Kovalcik.

A Shelly Lynn Hackbarth Memorial Fund has been established at Huntington Bank.  A fundraiser is also planned for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 18 at the Continental bowling alley in Roseville.

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