An Orange Coast College professor died Wednesday when she was run over by her car at her home in Orange, according to authorities.

Phylicia Hassapis, 49, was driving her four-door sedan out of the garage shortly before 3:50 p.m. when she realized her boyfriend’s car was parked behind her in the driveway, blocking her in, Orange police Lt. Fred Lopez said.

Hassapis got out of her car to move her boyfriend’s vehicle, according to police.

After parking his car on the street, Hassapis realized her sedan was moving because she hadn’t put it in park, according to Lopez.


“The driveway is on a pretty steep slope, so [Hassapis’ sedan] was starting to roll down into the street,” he said.

Hassapis got behind her car and tried to stop it but it had picked up too much momentum, police said.

Her car struck her and killed her, according to authorities.

Police said Hassapis’ injuries were so severe that first responders didn’t have a chance to try to revive her.


“She was absolutely 100% deceased by the time we got there,” Lopez said.

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Hassapis taught nursing and EMT classes at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, according to campus officials.

“In her more than 12 years at OCC, she inspired all those that knew her,” OCC President Dennis Harkins said in a written statement. “She truly exemplified the mission of Orange Coast College to transform lives through education.”


jeremiah.dobruck2@latimes.com

Jeremiah Dobruck writes for Times Community News

Follow @jeremiahdobruck.

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