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 35-year-old Genieve Vega and her dog, Baxter, during an October walk in central Phoenix, killing the dog and leaving Vega with injuries that later proved fatal.
The collision happened Oct. 24 in the 800 block of East Missouri Avenue, according to Silent Witness, which is assisting investigators with the case. Authorities said Vega was attempting to cross the roadway at about 7 p.m. when an unknown vehicle struck her and continued east on Missouri Avenue. Investigators believe the vehicle may have been a champagne-colored Toyota Sienna minivan. No driver has been publicly identified.
Vega survived the initial collision and was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. She later died, according to her family and published reports about the case. Baxter also died from injuries connected to the crash. Silent Witness now lists the investigation as a fatal hit-and-run and is seeking information that could identify either the vehicle or the person who was driving it.
Authorities have released only limited details about the moments leading up to the collision. The official Silent Witness notice does not identify a license plate number, model year or other distinguishing features for the suspected minivan beyond its possible champagne color. Investigators also have not publicly announced that a vehicle connected to the crash has been recovered.
Silent Witness is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information in the case. Its notice identifies the investigation as case No. 2026-4602. As of Nov. 7, authorities had not publicly announced an arrest or named a suspect, leaving investigators dependent in part on information that could help them trace the vehicle or establish who was behind the wheel.
Vega’s relatives have also begun sharing details about her life as they mourn her death. A memorial fundraiser established on behalf of her brother, Joseph Vega, describes her as an important influence on her two younger brothers, Jacob and Joseph. The family said she helped Joseph establish himself in a new state and supported his efforts to pursue a career in nursing.
The family said Vega built close relationships in several states and stayed connected with relatives even when distance separated them. She worked in physical therapy and traveled for work, according to the fundraiser. Baxter accompanied her through those travels and was remembered by the family as an important part of the active life she had built.
Relatives said Vega enjoyed outdoor activities and shared those interests with people close to her. Her death has brought together friends and family members from different parts of the country, while the fundraiser has been used to help with costs tied to her hospitalization, memorial arrangements, travel and other family expenses following the crash.
The crash has left Vega’s family mourning both her and Baxter while investigators continue trying to determine who was driving the vehicle. Available official information does not explain what happened immediately before Vega was struck, whether investigators have obtained useful surveillance footage or whether they have narrowed the search to a particular Toyota Sienna.
The investigation remains open. Silent Witness continues to seek information that could identify the vehicle or driver involved in the Oct. 24 collision, and no arrest had been publicly announced as of Friday.
Author note: Last updated November 7, 2026.