WELLINGTON, Fla. — A Wellington woman is dead after being hit by a car outside of the Lakefield community early Monday morning, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO).
Toshimi Janiga, 62, was walking southbound at the west crosswalk of Aero Club Drive and South Club Drive in Wellington at around 5:40 a.m. when she was hit by a vehicle turning northbound onto Aero Club Drive from South Club Drive.
As Janiga was knocked to the ground, the vehicle continued to drive and ran her over with its rear tire.
Janiga was declared dead at the scene by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
The vehicle did not remain at the scene, and any information on the driver or vehicle is unknown at this time.
WPTV spoke with Janiga's husband, Tim Janiga. They were married for 37 years.
"She's one of a kind," Janiga said. "You don't see that every day."
The Palm Beach County School District knew that too, naming her Teacher of the Year in 2021.
Janiga taught English Language Arts and Holocaust Studies for 18 years. Having moved from Japan, Janiga also taught Japanese Literature and Cinema at Florida International University.
"My mom was the kindest person in my entire life," Tashimi's daughter, Mary Janiga, said. "I hope one day, I'm half the woman she is because I don't think I can ever live up to that. But I am so proud to call her my mom."
Janiga would have turned 63 on Dec. 13.
This is a developing story, stay with WPTV for updates.
