A Lompoc woman was arrested Monday in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash last month at Beattie Park.

Gezel Viveros, 23, was taken into custody Monday after “a thorough investigation” identified her as the driver of a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run incident that killed a man, police Sgt. Scott Morgan said.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10, Lompoc police officers learned of a hit-and-run traffic collision at Beattie Park, 1102 E. Olive Ave.

Daniel Arias Cortez, 23, had been struck by a vehicle and was taken to Lompoc Valley Medical Center by a private vehicle before being transferred to Marian Regional Medical Center where he died from his injuries, Morgan said.

The investigation led police to identify the driver suspected of causing the fatality and obtain a warrant for her arrest. The suspect and the victim reportedly shared a child together, police said.

Lompoc police had not released details about the fatal incident and did not respond to questions about an investigation into the death of Cortez.

Anybody who any further information regarding the incident can call the Lompoc Police Department Detective Bureau at 805.736.2341. 

A GoFundMe page was created last month to help the family of Cortez, who was known as Danny or a childhood nickname of Piggy.

He was the youngest of five children and had attended La Honda Elementary School and El Puente School before graduating from Los Prietos Boys Camp.

“Danny was a great kid with a big smile and his laugh that was so contagious,” family members said.

They described him as humble, lovable, friendly, protective, a hardworker and respectful.

He worked in the ag fields and was the father of two.

The GoFundMe page, “In loving memory of Daniel Cortez, has raised $3,555 toward a $15,000 goal.