Investigators believe a champagne-colored Toyota Sienna struck Genieve Vega and her dog before fleeing east on Missouri Avenue.
PHOENIX — Authorities are searching for the driver of a vehicle that struck Genieve Vega and her dog, Baxter, in an October hit-and-run crash in central Phoenix, leaving the dog dead and Vega with injuries that later proved fatal.
Silent Witness lists the Oct. 24 collision as a fatal hit-and-run and says investigators are trying to identify either the vehicle or the person who was driving it. Authorities believe the vehicle may have been a champagne-colored Toyota Sienna minivan. No suspect has been publicly identified, and investigators have not announced an arrest.
The collision happened at about 7 p.m. in the 800 block of East Missouri Avenue, according to the Silent Witness case notice. Vega was attempting to cross the roadway when an unknown vehicle struck her. Investigators said the vehicle then continued eastbound on Missouri Avenue instead of remaining at the scene.
Vega survived the initial collision and was hospitalized with serious injuries. Published reports on the case say she later died from those injuries. Baxter also died after being struck. Authorities have released few additional details about what happened immediately before the collision, and the available case notice does not identify the driver or provide a license plate number.
Investigators have focused public attention on the suspected vehicle. Silent Witness describes it as a possible champagne-colored Toyota Sienna minivan and is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information in the case. The agency is asking for information that could help detectives identify the vehicle or its driver.
Vega, 35, was remembered by relatives as an important presence in the lives of her two younger brothers. A memorial fundraiser organized for her family says she helped her brother Joseph Vega establish himself in a new state and encouraged his pursuit of a nursing career. The family described her as someone who maintained strong relationships across long distances and brought people together.
The fundraiser also says Vega worked in physical therapy and traveled for work. Baxter accompanied her during those travels and was described as a central part of her active life. Family members said Vega formed close friendships in several states and enjoyed outdoor activities with those closest to her.
The fundraising campaign was established to help with expenses connected to Vega’s hospitalization, memorial arrangements, travel and other family costs following the crash. Hundreds of people had contributed by early November. The fundraiser identifies Vega’s brothers, Jacob and Joseph, as family members grieving her death and remembering the role she played in their lives.
Some details surrounding the crash remain unknown. Investigators have not publicly explained what may have led to the collision, whether surveillance video has identified the vehicle more precisely or whether a particular minivan has been recovered. Authorities also have not publicly named a person of interest in connection with the case.
The investigation remains open as detectives seek information about the vehicle and driver. Silent Witness continues to list the case as an active fatal hit-and-run and is offering a reward for information that helps investigators identify those involved.
Author note: Last updated November 7, 2026.