Police identify Eagan woman as pedestrian killed in St. Paul

St. Paul police identified the woman struck and killed by a minivan Tuesday as Channy Kek of Eagan.

Kek, 55, was crossing Cauyga Street westbound at Arkwright Street when she was killed about 4:15 p.m. outside the HealthPartners Specialty Center.

HealthPartners idenitifed her as a Regions Hospital employee.

"This is a difficult time for all of us," the company said in a written statement. "… grief counselors will be available for colleagues in the coming days. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our colleague's family and loved ones."

Police identified the driver of the minivan as Said Ali Mohamed, 41, of St. Paul. He stopped at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Police have said there were no signs of alcohol or drug impairment.

According to police: Kek had the right of way and was in the crosswalk when Mohamed drove south on Arkwright and turned left onto Cayuga. His vehicle struck Kek and threw her to the ground. Police said she was nearly across the street at the time.

At least 65 pedestrians have been struck by vehicles in St. Paul this year, three of them fatally.

Police will hold an educational outreach event as part of the pedestrian-vehicle safety program, "Stop for Me," today from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Johnson Parkway and Ames Street.