MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee woman is facing a year-long recovery process after being struck by a hit-and-run driver after ordering tacos from a food truck on December 30.
Yamaris Santiago, 30, was walking back to her car after ordering food from a truck near Forest Home Avenue and Lincoln Avenue on the city's south side when a speeding vehicle slammed into her and drove off at approximately 10:31 p.m.
"I didn't want to believe it," said Xavier Ramirez, the father of Santiago's child. "When I made it to the hospital and saw her in the bed, the way she was — then I had to believe it."
Santiago broke her pelvis and underwent surgery. She will remain hospitalized for weeks, but her injuries require much more extensive treatment.
"She needs to learn how to walk again… they're looking at a one-year recovery process," Ramirez said.
WATCH: Milwaukee mom faces year-long recovery after hit-and-run crash near food truck
According to Milwaukee Police, the driver lost control and collided with two parked vehicles and Santiago, who was walking to her vehicle on the 2400 block of West Forest Home Avenue. The driver then fled the scene.
The crash happened so quickly that witnesses couldn't get a clear view of the license plate, but Ramirez is working to identify the vehicle involved.
"The car was going so fast, you couldn't see a license plate or anything," he said.
Ramirez described the suspect vehicle as a light gray Scion XV with damage to the right side and back. Witnesses also found a Toyota hubcap at the scene that may be linked to the car.
"The whole right side, the back, should be scraped. We also found a Toyota hubcap linked to the car," Ramirez said.
While Milwaukee police continue to investigate the crash, Ramirez has been caring for the couple's 4-year-old son and launching his own search for the driver. He's asking witnesses who helped in the aftermath to come forward with any information they may have.
"I'm here for her… I'll do everything I can," Ramirez said.
The family has started a GoFundMe to help cover medical costs as Santiago begins her long recovery process.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7219 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips App.
This story was reported on-air by Mike Beiermeister and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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