LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
The Clark County Coroner's office identified Monday a 17-year-old girl who was killed in an apparent hit-and-run incident over the weekend.
The coroner's office did not, though, disclose a manner and cause of death for Alexis Monasterio.
According to Las Vegas Metro police, passers-by found the girl just after midnight on Sunday. Investigators said the teen was apparently struck by a westbound vehicle in the area of Charleston and Hollywood boulevards.
Police also did not say whether the victim was crossing the road in a marked crosswalk.
According to Monasterio's parents, Alexis was to graduate from culinary school with dreams to open up her own restaurant in the future. The teen was also planning to spend time in Europe during the summer and celebrate her 18th birthday in June, her parents said.
Alexis' father David Monasterio said his daughter, whom he called "Little Bear", lived a joyful life.
"We would always make each other laugh. We were always laughing," Monasterio told FOX5 while holding back tears. "She was always singing at the house she was always so happy. She didn't deserve this."
The hit-and-run collision marked the 26th traffic-related fatality in Las Vegas this year.
Alexis Monasterio was a culinary student at East Career and Technical Academy. To raise money for her funeral expenses, there will be a bake sale at the Albertsons grocery store on Nellis Boulevard at E. Vegas Valley Drive on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
Police are urging anyone with information to call LVMPD Detective P. Solomon at (702) 828-3786, Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.
Stay tuned to FOX5 for the latest on this developing story.
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Family members of Alexis Monasterio said the 17-year-old was killed after being struck by a hit-and-run vehicle just after midnight on March 17, 2013. (Photo: Monasterio family)
A memorial was made in dedication to Alexis Monasterio. (Peter Dawson/FOX5)
