Community comes together for Massachusetts pedestrian severely injured after being hit by two cars in hit and run

The community is rallying around a Massachusetts woman who was seriously injured after being hit by two vehicles.

Beverly police officers responded on Sunday to 375 Rantoul Street at approximately 10:15 p.m. for a report of a female pedestrian that had been struck by a vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers observed a female victim and immediately began tending to her. The victim was transported to Beverly Hospital before being transported to Brigham & Woman’s Hospital via Medflight with serious injuries.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim walked into the street and was first struck by a vehicle travelling southbound. The operator of that vehicle remained on-scene and is cooperating with police. The victim was then struck by a second vehicle operated by 47-year-old Diego Mattos-Vazualdo of Essex, who was travelling northbound.

Witnesses told responding officers that Mattos-Vazualdo stopped for a matter of seconds before fleeing the scene. Based on witness statements, a description of the offending vehicle was given to police and relayed to surrounding areas. Essex Police were able to stop a vehicle matching the given description.

Mattos-Vazualdo was transported by Beverly Officers back to police headquarters and was charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

The victim has been identified by friends as Sam Flynn.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser created to help with expenses, Flynn is a lively, beautiful, selfless soul who will do anything for anyone and ask for nothing in return. Flynn’s severe injuries include, but not limited to, broken ribs, broken legs, spinal injuries, and a dislocated hip.

The investigation remains on-going by Beverly Police with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Crash Recon Team.