Investigators believe a champagne-colored Toyota Sienna fled after striking Genieve Vega and her dog on East Missouri Avenue.
PHOENIX, AZ — Phoenix investigators are searching for the driver of a vehicle that struck Genieve Vega and her dog, Baxter, in an October hit-and-run, killing the dog and leaving Vega with injuries that later proved fatal.
Silent Witness says the collision happened at about 7 p.m. Oct. 24 as Vega was attempting to cross the 800 block of East Missouri Avenue. Investigators believe the vehicle may have been a champagne-colored Toyota Sienna minivan. The driver continued east on Missouri Avenue after the collision, according to the case notice. Authorities are seeking information that could identify either the vehicle or the person who was driving it.
Vega survived the initial crash and was hospitalized with serious injuries. She later died Oct. 31, according to reporting on the case. Baxter also died from injuries suffered in the collision. Police have not publicly identified a suspect or announced an arrest.
The investigation remains focused on the vehicle description released by authorities. Silent Witness lists the suspected vehicle as a possible champagne-colored Toyota Sienna minivan. No license plate number or model year has been publicly released, and investigators have not announced that a vehicle connected to the crash has been recovered.
Vega, 35, was remembered by relatives as the oldest of three siblings and a strong presence in the lives of her younger brothers. A memorial fundraiser established for her family says she helped her brother Joseph Vega build a life in a new state and encouraged his path toward a nursing career. Her family also described her as someone who maintained close relationships despite living and working in different parts of the country.
The family said Vega worked in physical therapy and traveled for work. Baxter was described as a close companion who shared in her travels and outdoor activities. The fundraiser says Vega enjoyed an active life that included time with family and friends in several states, and that she built lasting relationships wherever she lived and worked.
The fundraiser was established to help the family cover costs connected with Vega’s hospitalization, memorial arrangements, travel and other expenses after the crash. Organizers said relatives traveled to be with her following the collision. The campaign had drawn hundreds of donations by early November.
Authorities have released few details about the circumstances immediately before the collision. Silent Witness says Vega was attempting to cross East Missouri Avenue when she was struck. Investigators have not publicly released additional findings about the driver’s identity or what may have led to the crash.
Silent Witness is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information in the case. The organization continues to list Vega’s death as a fatal hit-and-run and says detectives are seeking the community’s help identifying the vehicle or driver. No suspect had been publicly named as of Saturday.
Author note: Last updated Nov. 7, 2026.