Teen dies in hit-and-run, labeled a hero

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

Jasmine Lee, 18, was with her friend Rosemary Taylor, 19, when they were both hit by a car on Tuesday night as they tried to cross a Midwest City street. Lee is now being labeled a hero, because she pushed Taylor out of the way of the oncoming car.

Taylor suffered leg and head injuries, according to her mother, but survived. Lee did not. Police are still searching for the driver of the car that hit the teens and then drove off.

Lee's mother, however, said she forgives the person who hit and killed her only daughter.

"I'm a Christian and I believe that she's at peace and I'm not going to have to worry about her walking out late at night," Jasmine Lee's mother Linda Maxwell said. "I don't think it was something malicious. I think it was an accident, I think they're scared."

Instead of mourning, Maxwell laughed about the good times and bragged about Lee's talent and personality. The proud mom said she forgave the person that killed her daughter and said she was thankful she talked to Lee before she was hit.

Taylor's mom also hopes the person responsible is caught soon.

"Turn them in because they're cowards," Rosemary's mother Janet Jackson said. "I'm really upset and I'm very pissed about it."

Lee's funeral is scheduled for Tuesday at the Spencer Road Church of Christ. Both families are setting up bank accounts for donations to help pay for the funeral and medical expenses.

To donate to Lee's account, go to any City National Bank and donate to the Jasmine Lee account.

To donate to Taylor's account, go to any BancFirst and donate to the Rosemary Taylor / Janet Jackson account.