Police identify woman killed in I-40 hit-and-run

Officers found the body of Judy Gail Siegel, 57, of Chapel Hill, on the highway near Exit 276.

Police said Siegel was driving in the right lane when she struck the side of or a tire on a tractor-trailer in the next lane. The impact caused her Toyota to go off the right side of the highway and hit a guardrail.

Investigators said they believe Siegel got out of her car on the shoulder of the highway and walked into the middle of I-40, where she was struck by multiple vehicles. The first vehicle that hit her did not remain at the scene, police said.

Family members said Wednesday's wreck brought back terrible memories of a crash Siegel was involved in when she was 18.

"She was in a coma for several months. She wasn't expected to come out of it, but she did," cousin Marvin Elkin said.

Elkin said his cousin was devoted to her dog Tea-Tee, a 9-year-old terrier. He is now trying to find a home for the pet.

"She was really devoted to animals. I know it's something that would have been her greatest wish to have this dog find a happy home," he said.