Chilean Filmmaker Paz Ramírez Dies After Hit-and-Run in Providencia

Paz Ramírez, a 39-year-old Chilean filmmaker and producer, died after being struck by a vehicle in Providencia while attempting to rescue her dog, which had escaped. The driver fled the scene, and authorities are investigating the incident.

The accident occurred near the intersection of Manuel Montt and Andrés Bello avenues. Ramírez was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but died hours later. Her dog survived and remains under the care of a friend.

Witness Tomás Cisternas described the vehicle as traveling at high speed. "The driver stopped briefly after hitting Paz Ramírez but then drove away without offering assistance," he said, as reported by Las Últimas Noticias.

Ramírez’s family and friends gathered at the El Golf Church to say their farewells. The funeral was marked by deep sorrow and a large turnout, reflecting her impact on the local film community.

Her brother-in-law, actor Cristián Campos, recalled Ramírez as a powerful and exceptional audiovisual artist who had worked internationally and was beginning to reap the rewards of her efforts. "This is a great loss not just for the family, but for the country and the arts world," Campos said.

María José Prieto, Ramírez’s sister and noted actress, expressed devastation over her sister's death and the driver's escape. "The indifference and lack of empathy destroy us as a society," Prieto said on Canal 13's "Hay que Decirlo." She added, "For someone to hit a living being and not stop is unacceptable. We must reconsider our values as a society."

The Public Prosecutor's Office identified the vehicle owner as a Venezuelan citizen and has tasked the OS9 unit of Carabineros with locating the owner to determine if he was the driver at the time of the accident. The investigation will be transferred to the Ñuñoa-Providencia local prosecutor's office for further action.

Ramírez was recognized for her work as a screenwriter, director, and producer. She directed the short film "Helechos," which premiered at the Tribeca Festival, and co-directed "Proyecto de Verano," shown at SANFIC. Her career also included work in advertising, directing music videos, and assisting on films such as "No," "Prófugos," "Los 33," and "Bonsái."

She was engaged to gastronomic producer Santiago Barros, who proposed during a trip to Istanbul. Barros is deeply affected by the tragedy, with family members describing their relationship as a pure and unique love.