KEY POINTS

  • Detective Amber Leist was helping an elderly woman cross the road
  • The 41-year-old was returning to her car when a vehicle struck and killed her
  • The incident was considered an accident and was not ruled as a hit-and-run

An off-duty Sheriff's detective was killed after being hit by a vehicle in Valley Village Sunday.

Amber Leist, a Lost Angeles County Sheriff's Department detective was helping a elderly woman who fell in the crosswalk, said NBC News.

The 41-year-old was struck by a vehicle at around 11:00 a.m. after helping the woman get back on her feet.

Police line
A police scene is pictured on Feb. 26, 2005, in Park City, Kansas. Getty Images

The accident happened when Leist was returning to her car. She was taken to the hospital, but was pronounced dead, added the outlet.

Leist is survived by her two sons, including one who is with the Navy, said NBC Los Angeles, citing a statement from Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.

The Los Angeles West Hollywood Station and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office mourned the loss of Leist and honored her in an emotional procession.

“She was an outstanding detective. She would lead by example through her act of kindness,” said Villanueva.

The motorist who struck Leist remained at the scene and was not ruled as a hit-and-run. The incident was considered an accident by the sheriff, according to NBC Los Angeles.

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