GLENDALE, Ariz. — A Valley family is heartbroken and searching for answers after their loved one was killed after being hit by a car that then left the scene.
Shanelle Ziegler said she never expected the phone call she'd get when she woke up and went to work on Wednesday, Oct. 16. She was told her father died after being hit by a car.
"It's very difficult and heartbreaking," Ziegler said.
That morning, her father, 78-year-old Gary Caravalho, left his home near 45th and Glendale avenues and was headed to a nearby bus stop.
"He was walking to the bus stop and he was hit by the car," Ziegler said. "They obviously were going very fast and unfortunately on the way to the hospital, he passed away."
The driver of the car that hit Caravalho sped off. Those who witnessed the hit-and-run immediately called 911 to get him help but couldn't get a plate number. Ziegler and her family said they're navigating through a roller coaster of emotions including anger and heartache.
"We're all really sad," she said. "It's been a really big burden to our family. He was 78-years-old but it seemed like he had a lot of life left to live. Most of his family lived into their 90s, so possibly I had a good 20 years left with my dad and that was taken from us."
Ziegler is focused on the memories she shared with her father, and couldn't help but laugh as she remembered some of the most heartwarming moments.
"He was the one who would braid my hair before going to school," she said. "I remember him walking me down the aisle when I got married and I remember having bad dreams as a little girl and he'd be awake watching his shows and eating sweets and he would put me back to sleep on the couch."
Those memories are ones of love, laughter and service.
"He joined the army when he was 17 years old and served from 1965-1971," she said. "He went overseas to Germany which is where he met my mother and I know he was in the Vietnam War."
With the loss of their father, Ziegler and her family are now trying to cope with the help of each other. She said their close family has gotten closer, but it's still not easy, especially without an arrest in the case.
"I have to be strong and move forward for everybody so he can be honored in the best way of his death," she said. "I personally would not be able to sleep at night knowing I had taken someone's life and I had wrecked a whole family. It'd be amazing if they would come forward and be honest and own up to their mistake and take responsibility."
As they get ready for the funeral, Ziegler is thinking back to the happy times. She said she's grateful for the time they had together, but will always wish they had more.
"I am hopeful someone will come forward and if they have information or know something," she said. "Any little bit helps."
The car involved is described as a white SUV with possible front-end damage. If you have any information about this incident you can call and report information anonymously to authorities at 480-WITNESS.
The family has also created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses, you can donate here.