Crime & Safety
Memorial Planned for Zina Bethune, Killed in Hit-and-Run
The renowned dancer, choreographer and actress died after stopping to help a wounded animal near Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, according to police.
The plans to host a memorial service for dancer and actress Zina Bethune on March 8 at 7:30 p.m. Anyone wishing to attend the service should RSVP to tommy@bethunetheatredanse.org.
Police said Bethune was on Forest Lawn Drive as she stopped to care for an animal lying in the road near the famed Forest Lawn cemetery in the Hollywood Hills early Sunday.
Bethune directed and choreographed the show Silent Roar: A Whale's Journey that ran at the in North Hollywood this past fall. The Los Angeles Times profiled Bethune and her work in early February.
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The hit-and-run happened about midnight in the 6000 block of Forest Lawn Drive, and Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics declared her dead at the scene, according to LAFD spokesman Matt Spence.
Los Angeles police Officer Cleon Joseph identified the victim as as Zina Feeley, which Bethune is also known by. Joseph said she parked her 2006 Lincoln Towncar along the north shoulder of the road, and while she was walking toward the fallen animal she was struck by a car traveling eastbound on Forest Lawn Drive.
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"The impact of the collision threw Feeley into the westbound ... lane of Forest Lawn Drive where she was struck a second time by an unknown car traveling eastbound on Forest Lawn Drive," Joseph said in a press statement. "She was dragged underneath the car for more than 600 feet."
Detectives are seeking information on a white car seen leaving the scene shortly after the second impact, Joseph said.
Authorities urged anyone with information to contact detectives Felix Padilla or Josephine Mapson at (213) 972-1825.
