A nurse has died after being hit by a car outside a medical center in California.
The crash happened Saturday, Dec. 13, outside the Sacramento VA Medical Center, according to NBC affiliate KCRA and FOX affiliate KTXL.
Authorities said a woman was struck as a driver pulled into a parking lot near the emergency room entrance, KCRA reported. She fell and hit her head on the pavement, according to the outlets. She was taken into the VA’s emergency room and later transferred to UC Davis Medical Center.
UC Davis Health identified the nurse as Novyrose Mejia in a statement, according to KCRA and KTXL.
“UC Davis Health grieves the loss of Novyrose Mejia, a cherished nurse known for her dedication to patients and her family,” the statement said. “Her hospital colleagues describe her as hardworking and compassionate — a devoted advocate for those in her care.”
UC Davis Health, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rancho Cordova Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Mejia, who went by the nickname “Novy,” is described on GoFundMe as a wife, mother, sister, and nurse who worked at UC Davis and the Sacramento VA. She is survived by two sons, described as “her pride and joys.”
“Novy lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, and service,” the fundraiser states. “As a devoted Catholic and a selfless nurse, she spent her life caring for others — comforting the sick, advocating for her patients, and answering God’s call to serve with humility and grace. She gave endlessly of herself, often putting others before her own needs.”
More than $34,000 had been raised through the GoFundMe campaign as of Wednesday, Dec. 17. The fundraiser says the money will help support Mejia’s family as they navigate medical expenses and funeral costs.
