Family of elderly woman hit, killed in Cleveland's Kamm's Corners says driver should pay

CLEVELAND - The family of an elderly woman who was fatally struck by a SUV earlier this year said they feel no closure despite news of a break in the case.

“She killed someone who was involved in a whole lot of folks’ lives in a good way,” said John Lobins, whose mother Maxine was killed by a hit and run driver in Kamm’s Corner.

Cleveland police said a 16-year-old girl has been identified as the driver responsible for striking Lobins with a 2013 GMC Arcadia SUV. However, she has not been arrested.

“There’s no excuse why she didn’t come forward,” said Velma Lobins, Maxine’s granddaughter. “You know what you did, and you should have said something about it. You should have stepped up.”

Her family described the 80-year-old as a caring, giving person with a vivacious laugh and a big smile.

Lobins was hit on the morning of Jan. 9when she attempted to cross in a crosswalk with her walker on Lorain Avenue near Rocky River Drive on Cleveland's west side. The former nun and Cleveland Metropolitan School District art teacher was pronounced dead on arrival at Fairview Hospital just days before she was to turn 81.

“She got put in the ground on her birthday,” said John Lobins.

“If it was an accident, it was an accident,” said Velma Lobins. “But for you to just take off like that, it's just sick. She left her lying in the middle of the street, and for that, I think she should pay.”

Police said the investigation will be presented to the juvenile prosecutor's office for review and possible charges.