Hit-and-run driver kills nurse trying to help wreck victims

ST. LOUIS -- A nurse was killed Tuesday when she pulled over to assist accident victims on a rain-slickened interstate and was struck by a hit-and-run driver, police said.

The victim was Elizabeth Ottomeyer, 36, of south St. Louis County.

Her 13-year-old daughter and another 13-year-old girl were in Ottomeyer's vehicle but were unharmed, St. Louis Police Lt. Commander Michael Siemers said.

"The kids are pretty distraught," Siemers said.

Two other cars were involved in a minor accident Tuesday morning on Interstate 44 near Vandeventer Avenue, police said.

Ottomeyer stopped to help and was hit by a car that fled the scene.

Police were seeking witnesses who saw the accident. No arrests were made.

"We certainly would love for somebody to call us," Siemers said. "The highways had to be packed with people."

The accidents forced eastbound I-44 to be closed for about three hours during morning rush hour.