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$50,000 Reward Offered in Fatal Sherman Oaks Hit-and-Run

Police are searching for a driver who struck and killed a woman in Sherman Oaks early Sunday morning.

Nysmuh Taylor, 18, was crossing the street with a friend at the corner of Matilija Avenue and Moorpark Street shortly after 2 a.m. when she was struck by a driver, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

Officers said the driver struck Taylor, drove back to the scene and then fled.

Taylor's family said she and her boyfriend had just been dropped off by a friend and were crossing the street to go to Taylor's apartment.

Police say they were not in a crosswalk, but the driver committed a felony by not stopping.

Taylor's mother, Raina Chehata, received word of her daughter's death while she was shopping.

"I fell on the floor because I couldn't believe it," Chehata said. "I thought it was a dream or a nightmare."

Taylor was supposed to start a new job Monday as a receptionist at a local car dealership. She had promised her little sister she'd take care of her.

"She said, 'When you're older I'm going to buy you a car. I want you to have everything in your life,'" said Taylor's 11-year-old sister, Paola Chehata.

Taylor's family hopes their tragedy can serve as a reminder to drivers everywhere.

"There's lives out there, just pay attention," Taylor's mother said. "Even if they are jaywalking, I know it's wrong but still - slow down."

The vehicle that struck Taylor was described as a red or maroon sedan.

A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver.

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