New Details Released In Hit-And-Run That Killed Grandmother: Police

LONG BEACH, CA — Police are searching for the driver of a silver Ford Mustang involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 73-year-old woman last month in Long Beach.

The Long Beach Police Department is asking for the public's help identifying the driver of the Mustang, which investigators believe was involved in the Sept. 5 collision near Long Beach Boulevard and East 23rd Street, according to an updated police news release issued Friday.

Investigators said the vehicle was traveling east on Willow Street before turning south onto Long Beach Boulevard prior to the collision. After striking the pedestrian, who has been identified as Tate Song, 73, of Long Beach, the vehicle was last seen traveling south on Pasadena Avenue toward 20th Street, police said.

• Woman Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver, Metro Train Identified

The vehicle is described as a silver Ford Mustang with a black convertible top, black stripes and black rims.

Police also clarified a significant detail about the circumstances of Song's death. Following the September collision, investigators reported that Song had been struck by a vehicle and subsequently hit by a Metro light rail train.

However, police said Friday that further investigation determined the train did not strike Song.

The collision occurred around 8:52 p.m. Sept. 5, when officers responded to reports of a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian near Long Beach Boulevard and East 23rd Street. Officers found Song lying on the Metro light rail tracks, where she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle fled, police said.

At the time of the initial investigation, authorities said it was unknown whether speed, distracted driving or impaired driving contributed to the collision.

Song's daughter, Sonya Rose, has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses.

"This loss has affected me in so many ways: spiritually, emotionally, financially, and physically. My mother leaves behind a daughter, a son, and a granddaughter who are all grieving this sudden loss," Rose wrote in the GoFundMe.

The fundraiser has brought in $7,914 toward its $9,000 goal, according to the campaign page.

Police have not announced an arrest in connection with Song's death. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information about the Mustang or its driver is asked to contact Long Beach Police Collision Investigation Detective Edwin Paredes at 562-570-5130.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or through LACrimeStoppers.org.