For the third time in just over 24 hours, a young person has been killed by a hit-and-run driver.

Sixteen-year-old Megan Smith from Folsom was struck Thursday night as she crossed Walerga Road in North Highlands. The deadly collision happened about 9:45 p.m.

Investigators with the California Highway Patrol say Smith and her boyfriend were collecting cans along Walerga near Larchmont Road when they attempted to cross the road. The boyfriend made it safely across but Smith was struck by a vehicle that did not stop.

Sgt. Cal Glass with the CHP said, "We would think that the vehicle would have damage to the front, could be the left, center or the right front but again nothing specific but there would be a noticable amount of damage from the vehicle striking a human body."

Investigators said it appears the child got around a fence to reach the road and was dragged nearly 250 feet before the hit-and-run driver sped away. They are looking for a dark-colored car that may have front-end damage.