RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Friends and family of Lanie Kruszewski gathered Friday afternoon to remember the 24-year-old woman killed riding her bicycle along River Road in Richmond.
Friday’s memorial service was held at Maggie Walker High School. Kruszewski attended Maggie Walker before graduating from James Madison University in 2011. She also attended culinary school in New York City on a scholarship.
“She just conquered each day. She truly fell in love and truly followed what made her happy. She woke up each day and just seized it,” said friend Catie Kelly before Friday’s service.
Kruszewski’s family and friends say her service reflected who she was... light-hearted, caring and adventurous. Several people gave impromptu speeches during her service.
A group of former teammates also read excerpts from Harry Potter, Kruszewski’s favorite book.
In lieu of flowers, Kruszewski’s family asked donations be made to Brainfood, Virginia Bicycling Federation, and Maggie Walker Governor’s School Foundation (804-354-1566).
Police said Kruszewski was hit and killed by an SUV Sunday night while riding home from work at Osaka restaurant on River Road.
Police sources told CBS 6 a man came forward Thursday to admit he was driving the SUV that hit Kruszewski. Those sources told CBS 6 News’ Jon Burkett that the driver, Elias Webb, told investigators he did not stop because he thought he had hit a deer.
Friday, Kruszewski’s family said they were relieved a person came forward.
However, close friend Sara Warren, says it does little to ease everyone’s pain.
“It won’t bring Lanie back,” says Warren. “Being angry won’t change what happened to Lanie so we’re just trying to be positive and celebrate everything that was so great about Lanie today.”
A grand jury will review evidence in the case Monday and decide if the prosecution has enough evidence to charge Webb with felony hit-and-run.
