The Koreatown hit-and-run victim was honored at a funeral service held on March 20 at Saehan Church near Los Angeles’ Koreatown, as family, friends, and community members gathered to pay their final respects.
The victim, identified as Keum-soon Lee, 73, died after being struck by a pickup truck earlier this month. According to reports, Lee had just finished attending early morning prayer service and was riding her bicycle home around 6:40 a.m. on March 9 when the collision occurred near the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Vermont Avenue.
She was transported to a nearby hospital and received treatment for several days, but ultimately succumbed to her injuries on March 13. The incident has drawn renewed attention to pedestrian and cyclist safety in Koreatown, as well as concerns over hit-and-run accidents in the area.
Saehan Church, which Lee attended regularly, hosted the funeral service. Dozens of mourners, including church members, acquaintances, and participants from the Koreatown Senior & Community Center harmonica group, gathered to honor her life and legacy.
Lee was known for her active involvement in the senior center’s harmonica class. She gained local recognition after performing the U.S. national anthem on harmonica with fellow members at a Los Angeles Kings game held at Crypto.com Arena. A Korean American staff member from the LA Kings, Hae-sung Lee, was also present at the service to offer condolences.
In a final act reflecting her generosity, it was revealed that Lee had pledged to donate her body to the University of California, Irvine for medical research. Her decision has been widely regarded as an example of selflessness, leaving a lasting impact on the community even after her passing.
The Koreatown hit-and-run victim continues to be remembered not only for the tragic circumstances of her death but also for her dedication to community and her enduring spirit of giving.
