Erin Simanskis, an assistant at WRAL-TV was put on life support after a hit and run. On her way home Friday, January 21st, Simanskis was in a fender bender on Western Boulevard. While talking to the other driver, she was hit by a van that then fled the scene. Raleigh police are still looking for the van driver. 

  Since 2017, Simanskis has served as a research assistant for 5 On Your Side, and in recent years had been at the assistant desk. The WRAL News team is deeply saddened by the announcement and the loss of their colleague and friend. In a tweet, Joe Fisher, a reporter at WRAL said, “A total gut punch. Erin Simanskis smiled big, laughed hard, and was a tremendous asset to WRAL. I will miss her very much.” 

  Simanskis’s family says she will not recover from her head injuries, and doctors are now speaking with organ recipients. Her family is hoping to hold a celebration of life at WRAL Azalea Gardens because of how much Simanksis loved being part of the WRAL team.  

​​  Anyone with information on the van driver who ran from the scene is asked to contact the Raleigh Police Department at 919-831-6311.