The victim of a fatal hit-and-run incident in Oakland has been identified as 59-year-old Kim May Barranco, according to the Oakland Police Department.
Barranco, known affectionately as “Ladybug” within the community, lost her life just before 1 p.m. on Tuesday when she was struck by a vehicle between the 2300 and 2400 blocks of San Pablo Avenue.
The intersection, characterized by two lanes in each direction and a broad center median, has been identified as hazardous for pedestrians due to the swift traffic flow. Jaywalking is common among pedestrians seeking convenience.
Concerns about the lack of traffic enforcement in the area have been voiced by residents. Anthony Butts, a member of the community organization Oakland Living Learning Center, highlighted Barranco’s positive impact despite her unhoused status, stating, “She was unhoused, but she was so good for our community, everybody loved her, and everybody knew her. Everybody respected her, no matter what was going on in her life.”
Butts also expressed concerns about speeding vehicles on the boulevard, likening it to a freeway with cars exceeding the 35 mph speed limit.
The intersection, situated near West Oakland, exhibits signs of unhoused individuals living along the median, as well as indications of illegal dumping, porta potties, and handwashing stations.
Butts remarked, “Some people are in such a rush, they don’t even care about pedestrians around here.”
Despite her unhoused status, Barranco was beloved in the community, as evidenced by a makeshift memorial near the crash site featuring a small bouquet of flowers and a women’s athletic shoe.
Oakland firefighters responded to the scene, but Barranco was pronounced dead. The vehicle involved fled the scene, heading north on San Pablo Avenue.
The Oakland Police are actively investigating the case and encourage anyone with information or video surveillance footage related to the incident to come forward.
Serenity House, a nonprofit organization providing support services to women, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist in laying Barranco to rest.
The Oakland community mourns the loss of a cherished member, as voiced by Butts, who lamented, “Unfortunately Kim got hit and killed, this is like a daily event, people coming through here reckless driving, like they don’t care.”
