Nurse Who Helped Save “Countless Lives” During Pandemic Dies After Bus Stop Attack

A beloved nurse who was viciously attacked while waiting on her bus has died at the hospital where she spent nearly four decades caring for patients.

Sandra Shells passed away on Sunday after being ambushed on January 13th at a bus stop in Los Angeles. She was waiting for her bus shortly after 5:00 a.m. when Kerry Bell, a local transient, struck the 70-year-old in the face, causing her to fall back and fracture her skull. She was rushed to Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, the same hospital where she spent 38 years nursing the sick back to health.

The hospital issued a statement, sharing that they will remember Shells for her “compassionate care and unmatched dedication to her patients and her community.”

“There will never be enough words to express our gratitude for her tremendous work and dedication,” the statement continued.

Liz Anderson, a neighbor of Shells, called the nurse an incredibly kind and “mild-mannered” person who would frequently gift people with lemons from a lemon tree in her backyard. Shells helped save “countless lives” during the pandemic and was gearing up to retire at the time of her slaying, according to Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis.

Police say Bell attacked Shells without warning. He was located a short time after the attack sleeping on the street. He was arrested and is being held on attempted murder charges, though charges are likely to increase soon.