The woman run over and killed while crossing a busy downtown Minneapolis street during Tuesday's snowstorm had left her office early because of the heavy snowfall.

Rachel Y. David, 56, of Minneapolis, was struck by a turning vehicle in a crosswalk while crossing Hennepin Avenue at 8th Street late Tuesday afternoon.

David's identity was confirmed by her employer, Care Providers of Minnesota, in Bloomington, a professional association representing the interests of nursing homes, independent- and assisted-living facilities, and hospices.

Care Providers had closed its offices midafternoon Tuesday, rather than the usual 5:30 p.m., to give its staff members more time to get home during the snowfall, said Doug Beardsley, vice president of member services.

David does not drive and counts on light rail and buses to get around, Beardsley added.

"This is a difficult time for all of us, as we are a close staff of 18," he said.

Colleen Kelly — Star Tribune, Star Tribune
The scene of a fatal pedestrian-car collision on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2106.

David joined the association 10 years ago, and "her personality and contributions will be greatly missed by all of her co-workers, as well as many of our members," Beardsley said.

David was a communications specialist, whose duties included being editor of the newsletter that went to Care Providers' clients weekly.

The motorist who struck David stopped immediately and was cooperating with authorities, police said. It's too soon to tell whether the driver could face charges, said police spokesman John Elder.

David was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center. The cause of death was blunt-force injuries, an autopsy revealed Wednesday.

Several people crossing the street with David were unharmed. Weather may have played a factor in the crash. Visibility was low and road conditions icy around 5 p.m.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482