Family and friends mourn East Oakland caretaker after fatal hit-and-run

Rose Banks, a 59-year-old nursing assistant, died in a hit-and-run while crossing at 82nd and Bancroft avenues in East Oakland on July 7. Family and friends gathered to mourn her loss and demand justice, expressing their devastation over the lack of timely communication from authorities about her whereabouts. The Oakland Police Department is investigating the incident, but it remains unclear if the driver has been identified or whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. Residents have reported a troubling history of collisions at the intersection, with at least 18 incidents resulting in 27 injuries over the past five years. Tameka Turner, a local resident, described the intersection as “playing Russian roulette,” highlighting the dangers of speeding drivers and red-light violations.

Additionally, Tiffany and Tasha McDonald revealed that they searched for five days for their aunt before discovering she was in the city morgue. The family has been in contact with the police daily, seeking updates on the investigation. This incident raises concerns about pedestrian safety in Oakland and the need for improved traffic measures at hazardous intersections.