No arrests yet after nun killed in hit-and-run; Cleveland police say dark SUV responsible

CLEVELAND - A dark-colored SUV with damage to the front end fatally struck 81-year-old Maxine Lobins Wednesday morning as she attempted to cross in a crosswalk in Kamm's Corners, Cleveland police say.

“She had two broken legs, broken pelvis, internal bleeding and basically, they hit her so hard that she was almost split in two,” said John Lobins, Jr., Maxine's son, who added that he felt numb when he received news of her death Wednesday.

Police are combing through surveillance video from area businesses in hopes of identifying the vehicle and making an arrest.

“If you're the individual operating that vehicle, we're asking that you contact police,” said Cleveland Police Sgt. Sammy Morris.

Witnesses said Lobins left the Steak N' Shake restaurant near the corner of Lorain Avenue and Rocky River Drive just before 8 a.m. and made her way to a nearby crosswalk with her walker. However, the sidewalk was covered with ice, so the Cleveland native walked in the street. When she reached the crosswalk and attempted to cross, she was struck.

Lobins was taken to Fairview Hospital two blocks away from the incident, where she was pronounced dead on arrival, just five days shy of her 82nd birthday.

“How do you sleep with yourself after you done did it?” asked John Lobins.

Lobins spent more than two decades as an art teacher for Cleveland Public Schools. When she retired, she became a nun and spent time caring for others.

“She was a real kind person. She didn't deserve this,” Lobins added.

Anyone with anyone information is encouraged to contact Cleveland police at 216-623-5295.