Driver Cristian Ariz-Arizabaleta hits and kills runner Karen Ray New Year's morning

Gwinnett County authorities say a drunk driver killed Karen Ray, 56, while she was out on her moing jog New Year's Day.

Kayla O'Neal is a close friend who looks after Ray's dog Max when she is running marathons all over the world.

"It's very hard, she was just such a sweet woman," O'Neal said.

Police said Ray was inside the crosswalk of South Pucketts Mill Road near Highway 124 Friday moing when Cristian Ariz-Arizabaleta, 32, hit her before hitting the curb and striking several trees.

Ray died at the scene of the accident, and Arizabaleta was arrested Friday.

Residents told reporters the stretch of Highway 124 where Ray was hit is a popular running spot, but now the community is shaken up.

"I'm going to have to start watching my back a little bit more I guess," resident Terry Pitts said.

Christian Arizabaleta was charged with Vehicular homicide, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, impropper and erratic lane change and reckless driving.