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Family says Dry Ridge woman killed in hit-and-run was 'a beacon of hope'

Police searching for the driver
Dry Ridge mom hit and run death
Posted at 1:54 PM, Mar 26, 2022
and last updated 2022-03-28 23:52:23-04

DRY RIDGE, Ky. — Family members say Sharon Ollier was taken too soon. Flowers, candles and pictures continue to be added to a memorial outside of her Dry Ridge home on Monday evening.

Kentucky State Police said Ollier, 61, died after she was hit by a car on Taylor Lane at around 11:25 p.m. Police said the driver fled the scene and then abandoned their car. KSP has since found the car, but continues searching for the person responsible.

"It's just terrible that someone would do that to somebody," said Christy Thomas, who lives near the site of the crash. "It could be anyone walking down the road. It's just terrible. I mean, why wouldn't they stop and check on her? Why would you run over someone and take off?"

Family members said Ollier worked at candy company Perfetti Van Melle for more than 30 years and had a bubbly personality that lit up a room.

"She was a beacon of hope and humanity to everyone," her son Billy Hudson said. "She had homeless bags in her car she made up with airheads, warm packs, coats and stuff she'd give out to people that are struggling. That's who she was."

Hudson said Ollier was killed several feet away from her home, where the posted speed limit is 15 mph. He and his fiance, Delaney Dixon, are looking for answers for the woman who they say was a perfect example of looking at things in a positive light.

"I think of it how my mom would've handled it. If she would've lived, and they found him, she would've forgiven him ... that's the type of person she was," Hudson said. "My mom would've forgiven you, if she would've lived through this, she'd befriended you."

Hudson said he hopes the driver will do the right thing for everyone's sake.

"We don't know what happened," Hudson said. "We'd like you to come forward and share your story. Get some closure on your end, so we can get closure on ours."

For information on Ollier's visitation, click here.

Jones said anyone with any information about the crash should call KSP Post 6 in Dry Ridge at 1-859-428-1212.