"It Hurts to Even Think About It": Family Mourns Loss of Loving Mom Killed in Hit-and-Run

Daniella Palacios' son said the family often worried about her as she went out to help others, and now they worry how to tell her grandchildren that she's gone.

A roadside memorial for a woman hailed as a loving grandmother continued to grow Monday after she was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver who has yet to be caught by police. Daniella Palacios, 44, was riding a bicycle on Magnolia Street near La Palma Avenue when she was hit by a truck just after 9 p.m. Saturday, Anaheim police said. She died at a hospital hours later.

Palacios had eight children between 9 and 28 years old, and she was also a grandmother of 11. Her son, Steven Arellano, said he still can't believe his mother was killed while on her way to bring food to someone in need. "It hurts to even think about it," he said. "Usually she has four bags on each handle, taking food out there. "I don't even know how someone could just hit someone that hard and leave her laying on the floor bleeding to death."

Police on Sunday released a photo, pictured at right, of a white pickup truck they believe struck Palacios. The family talked to a witness who saw the hit-and-run from across the street. Now, they're trying to raise $8,000 to pay for funeral expenses as a memorial grows at the crash site. "Hopefully they get justice for the family," said Elise Harrie, who donated to the family. "That's the most important thing."

Palacios' son said the family often worried about her as she went out to help others, and now they worry how to tell her grandchildren that she's gone. "I don't know how to explain to my daughter," Arellano said. "She asks, 'Where's grandma?'"

Anyone with information should call the Anaheim Police Department.

Kathy Vara and Christina Cocca

NBC, Los Angeles

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