College student hit and killed when suspected drunk driver runs red light, MN cops say
Rylie Saloum was crossing the street on her way back to her University of Minnesota dorm when a car flew through a red light and hit her, police and family said.
The car sped off as she lay in the street on Nov. 7, Minneapolis police said. She was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening head injuries and died days later on Nov. 10, family members said in a GiveSendGo.
Now, the man accused of hitting her is facing charges, according to court documents filed on Nov. 13.
Ali Samator, 30, is accused of driving while drunk with a canceled license, according to a probable cause statement. He’s charged with two counts criminal vehicular homicide, DWI and driving after cancellation, court records said.
McClatchy News reached out to Samator’s attorney but did not immediately receive a response.
After Samator fled the scene of the crash, police found him sitting in his red car nearby, according to the probable cause statement. Samator smelled of alcohol, according to police, and did not communicate with them.
Officers also found what they believe was human hair on the windshield of the car, court documents said.
Back at the scene of the crash, officers observed no tire marks on the pavement, indicating that Samator may not have attempted to stop before hitting Saloum, according to the probable cause statement.
In the weeks since the deadly accident, family members have mourned the college student’s death.
“This gift of life she gave us, albeit far too short for the amazing things she had planned, was filled with joy and kindness,” family said in the GiveSaveGo. “She continues this legacy by sharing several of her organs with others so they can live.”
McClatchy News reached out to the University of Minnesota and is awaiting a response.
“She’s very outgoing, caring, energetic. Always smiling,” her father, Scott Saloum, told CBS. “She loved acting and aspired to one day be in the movies or TV.”
Samator is held on a $300,000 bond, according to jail records. He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 10.
This story was originally published November 22, 2024 at 3:33 PM with the headline "College student hit and killed when suspected drunk driver runs red light, MN cops say."
