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The family of PCC student Reia Shapiro, killed in a car accident Sept. 29, has appealed for help in the investigation.The California Highway Patrol originally informed the family they thought Shapiro had been killed accidentally after she was ejected from her vehicle. A few days later, they informed the family of a different conclusion.

The CHP now believes Shapiro initially had a chance to survive, but was killed by a hit-and-run driver.

“She was alive out there. and steamrolled by those cars,” said Kelila Shapiro, Reia’s sister.

“We’re asking anybody with any knowledge – first-hand knowledge, second-hand knowledge, or third-hand knowledge – to call the CHP,” she said

Shapiro’s sister doesn’t understand why some drivers didn’t slow down to avoid the accident. She said that section of the 210 Freeway is straight, well-lit, and that drivers should have been able to see the situation in time to avoid it.

Kelila Shapiro said the family is “really frustrated right now in trying to find out what happened on the freeway. We’re dealing with lots of confusion, anger, and we’re going day by day,” she added

“She was like the family’s baby,” said Kelila Shapiro. “I watched this girl being born. I was there for the beginning of her life and now to see this end? It’s too much. [She] was a great girl.”

One witness – whom the family did not wish to name – told the CHP that he and several others stopped and were trying to help, but other vehicles stuck Shapiro and kept on going. Kelila Shapiro said her sister Reia was wearing “a big orange jacket” at the time of the accident and that she cannot understand the actions of those who did not stop after striking the young woman.

The Shapiro family has been reaching out to people through MySpace and Craig’s List for tips. They have contacted several media outlets such as ABC 7 News in their search for information about the incident.

Reia Shapiro, 20, was a well-liked member of the PCC women’s basketball team, according to her former coach, Joe Peron. The CHP and her family are still searching for suspects in this case and they are appealing to the public for help.

Officers are still seeking information about the first vehicle that struck the young woman.

It was 2:50 a.m. on a Saturday morning when Shapiro was heading eastbound on the 210 Freeway near the Huntington Drive exit. Her car struck the center divider and spun-out. Shapiro was struck by at least five vehicles that night.

Anyone who has information about the accident is asked to contact the Altadena CHP office at (626) 296-8100.

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