Modesto Hit-and-Run Victim Identified as Sarah Poplasky; CHP Searching for White Sedan

Authorities have identified the victim in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Modesto and are continuing efforts to locate the driver who fled the scene.

The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office confirmed the woman as 44-year-old Sarah Poplasky of Modesto. The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. on April 24 along Riverside Drive, just south of Nathan Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

When officers arrived, they found Poplasky in the roadway with severe injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Poplasky had been on the east shoulder of Riverside Drive before entering the roadway into northbound traffic. She was first hit by a 2000 Ford pickup truck driven by a 59-year-old Modesto man, who remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities.

Following the initial impact, Poplasky came to rest in the northbound lane, where she was struck a second time by another vehicle traveling behind the pickup. That vehicle, described as a white sedan—possibly a Nissan or similar model—left the scene without stopping.

Authorities are now actively searching for the second driver. According to CHP, the suspect vehicle may have visible damage to its lower front bumper and was last seen heading north on Riverside Drive.

Investigators noted that early findings suggest Poplasky may have entered the roadway intentionally, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still ongoing and no final determination has been made.

The roadway was closed for about 90 minutes as officers processed the scene and gathered evidence.

Anyone with information about the white sedan or the circumstances of the crash is urged to contact CHP Modesto Detective Aaron Norseen at 209-545-7440.