JERSEY CITY -- A 27-year-old woman has been charged with death by auto for an early Saturday morning crash that killed a backseat passenger in the vehicle.

Khadija Hamilton, of Jersey City, was unlicensed when she slammed into a metal barrier on Newark Avenue, killing Khalla Nguyen, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced.

Hamilton fled the scene after the 3 a.m. crash near Seventh Street. She surrendered to authorities with her attorney at about noon on Sunday, officials said.

Nguyen, 24, has been remembered by friends as a woman who always had a smile on her face and would do anything for others. Memorials have been set up outside her apartment building and at the scene.

Hamilton is charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, death by auto, and driving unlicensed and causing death. She is being held in jail pending her first court appearance.

The Hudson County Regional Fatal Collision Unit is continuing to investigate the crash. Anyone with information is asked to call the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office at 201-915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor's website. All information will be kept confidential.

Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.