Hit-and-run victim's daughter asks for help

The daughter of the 68-year-old Fallon woman killed in a hit-and-run accident Dec. 30 feels some people know who is responsible.

Shirley Kraai was walking on the sidewalk at Williams Avenue at Smedley's Chevron when she was struck and killed by a white Chevrolet pickup truck. The driver drove off and has not been located since.

Kraai's daughter, Suzan Gilkeson of Sparks, was notified of her mother's death at 1 a.m. on New Year's Eve.

She said her mother loved to read and learn new things. Kraai would send her grandchildren (Gilkeson's children) gift boxes that included self-created books every few months.

"She really enjoyed learning. She found interesting facts on different things," her daughter explained. She said her mother walked everywhere and was cautious where not to venture.

"She was always a very responsible person," Gilkeson said, adding her mom always carried a whistle and flashlight when walking at night.

Gilkeson said it's hard to believe someone could leave the scene of a hit-and-run accident, especially knowing someone may have been killed.

"Every time I close my eyes, I see my mom being run over and being left there," she said fighting back tears. "That is the hardest part to deal with."

She said her mom was 4-feet-10 inches tall and weighed 85 pounds and didn't stand a chance.

The daughter said she now pays extremely close attention to white Chevrolet pickup trucks, knowing one of them was involved in her mother's death.

"I have driven in circles when seeing similar trucks. Everyone in town has a white Chevrolet pickup truck," she said.

She said her brother is not handling their mother's death very well and is angry at how she died with the driver having no regards for her.

"We feel like we were robbed," Gilkeson said, adding her mom was a Fallon resident for seven years and loved the community.

YOU CAN HELP

If anyone knows a person owning a white Chevrolet pickup truck not driven since the accident or has recent front end or side damage should contact the Fallon Poiice Department at 775-423-2111.

Secret Witness is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the hit-and-run driver. Call 322-4900. Callers may remain anonymous when collecting the reward.

She said her mom was on her way to a casino to check tickets for a drawing the business commonly holds.

"That is the hardest part," she said in talking about how Kraai died. "I understand it is an accident, but when you leave and can not stand up to the accident.. How is this person living with themselves. If you are a human being you must have some (feelings). If it was me, I would be sick. I know there is someone out there who knows who it is."

She said anyone knowing the driver's identification but is withholding information is not doing the responsible thing. She said her family will post fliers and do other things in hopes the hit-and-run driver is found.