Carissa Hinz had just graduated from art school last month and was volunteering at a local art gallery in Bridgeport Friday night when she was hit by a car, according to her friends.

Hinz was hit at 32nd Place and Morgan Street just before midnight and died at the scene.

Hinz's roommate and former classmate, Scott Zborowski, said Hinz was taking out the trash from the Co-Prosperity Sphere, an art gallery where she was a volunteer. She had been volunteering at an event that evening, he said.

Zborowski, 22, said he attended some classes at the American Academy of Art with Hinz before moving in to an apartment with her in the 3300 block of South Lowe Avenue a couple of months ago. Hinz graduated in May from the academy, where she studied graphic design, Zborowski said.

A friend called him Friday night after she was hit, but he didn't know right away that she had been killed, he said. The accident was just a couple blocks away from their apartment.

"When I went down there I found out and it was just shock after that," Zborowski said.

Zborowski said his friend loved art, photography, working at Bridgeport Coffee and volunteering at the Co-Prosperity Sphere. She had no specific job plans since her graduation, he said.

"She was always in a good mood; willing to help people," Zborowski said.

Fresh flower bouquets and lighted candles had been placed Saturday afternoon by a light pole at the intersection where police said Hinz was struck.

An autopsy conducted today determined that she died from her injuries and ruled her death an accident, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

According to the Bridgeport Coffee website, Hinz had worked as a barista for the coffee shop for more than a year.

"Our deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to her family and friends. She was an artistic soul with a generous heart, and was beloved by neighbors, customers and her co-workers," according to to the website.

"There are no words that can convey how her family and friends feel, but we want them to know that we were graced by her presence and we will always remember her with affection and love."

Some who lived near the accident site said they heard what sounded like a car crash at the time of the incident.

"It sounded like a car got hit," said Bob Cunningham, who said he's lived in an apartment overlooking Morgan Street for 17 years. "Like if you would hear one car hit another one."

Cunningham said he was watching "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" when he heard the sound – "a boom."

When he looked out his window he said he saw a car window busted in and a body pushed into the car.

"I couldn't believe it," Cunningham said.

Cunningham said that cars frequently speed down Morgan Street, calling it a "grand speedway."

According to police, witnesses said the vehicle way have been a dark-colored Honda Accord sedan.