Marysville hit-and-run victim named

TULALIP – A woman who was struck and killed in an apparent fatal hit-and-run has been identified as Nicole Francis Cheek, the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office announced this afternoon.

Cheek, 58, of Marysville, died of injuries to her torso and legs. Her death is being classified as an accident, the medical examiner said.

Sheriff’s detectives continue to search for the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee that hit Cheek early Wednesday morning in the 12400 block of 34th Avenue NE.

Detectives found evidence at the scene that indicated that Cheek was struck while walking northbound on 34th Avenue NE. Her body was discovered about 6:40 a.m. lying in a grassy area between the road and I-5. A motorist spotted Cheek and called 911. She had died at the scene.

Detectives don’t yet know the color of the Jeep, but it’s likely there is damage to the front passenger side, sheriff’s spokeswoman Rebecca Hover said. Investigators emphasized they were looking for the Grand Cherokee model, as opposed to the smaller Jeep Cherokee.

Investigators believe Cheek was struck sometime between 4:45 a.m. and 6:40 a.m. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s tip line at 425-388-3845.