BY GANNON PACIONI / VN NEWS EDITOR
Charges are not expected in a car-pedestrian accident that took the life of a 77-year-old woman outside the Detroit Mercy gates the evening of March 13.
Sally Baker was a well-known presence at the university and a resident of Lansing-Reilly Hall, where she was being housed by the Jesuits.
The accident occurred around 7:25 p.m. when “a 22-year old male, driving a Burgundy Lincoln, struck a 77-year old woman,” Detroit Police Sgt. Nicole Kirkwood told The Varsity News.
The driver, a Detroit Mercy student, was turning left out of the main entrance onto McNichols Road heading toward Livernois Road when he hit Ms. Baker.
A familiar face on campus, Ms. Baker was crossing McNichols Road and heading toward Gesu Church when struck.
“The male driver exited his car and attempted to resuscitate the victim by performing CPR, but was unsuccessful,” said Kirkwood.
The Varsity News heard conflicting reports that a nursing student tried to aid the victim, as well.
Medics pronounced Ms. Baker dead at the scene.
University Jesuits read her last rites at the site.
Though Detroit Police are still investigating, no charges are expected against the driver, Kirkwood said.
“The university is in an incredible state of grief,” said Gary Lichtman, director of media relations. “It’s a true tragedy.”
A memorial was held last week to honor Ms. Baker.
There will be a visitation and service this Friday, 3-8 p.m., in the Commerce and Finance Building chapel, with a wake service at 7 p.m.
A funeral mass will be offered at 10 a.m. at Gesu Church on Saturday, with burial following at St. Hedwig’s Cemetery in Dearborn Heights and a reception at about 1 p.m. at Lansing-Reilly Hall.
