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Pedestrian killed in Sunday’s collision identified as area homeless woman

Mystique Stephens. // Image courtesy, A. Sanchez

By Mike Hazlip—
The pedestrian killed in Sunday’s two-vehicle collision on Auburn Boulevard has been identified by friends as a woman known to live on the streets of Citrus Heights.

Although the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the name of the pedestrian, friends have identified her as Mystique Stephens.

Citrus Heights Homeless Navigator Gabby Yost told The Sentinel in an email that Stephens was a big part of the Citrus Heights community and will be missed.

“Mystique touched many lives with her caring and fun personality,” Yost said. “My heart goes out to her friends and family.”

Yost said she is coordinating with homeless advocate Alfred Sanchez and Grace house to dedicate an upcoming lunch distribution to Stephens’ memory. The lunches are held each week in the park behind Costco and Walmart on Auburn Boulevard, not far from the collision site.

In a phone call with The Sentinel Monday, Sanchez expressed dismay and said Stephens will be remembered.

“I’ve known her for a long time and I’m at a loss for words,” he said.

Citrus Heights police said the two-vehicle collision occurred Sunday evening, killing a pedestrian and one of the drivers. The Sacramento County Coroner has identified 41-year-old Kimberli Washington as the other fatality.

Police said speed appears to be a factor, but it is unknown if other contributing factors such as drugs or alcohol also may have played a role in the collision.

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