An 87-year-old South Portland woman died Monday night after being hit by a car on Cottage Road.

According to police, Auguste Paxson, who lives on Vincent Street, was walking on Cottage Road,near Vincent Street when she was struck at approximately 9 p.m. Police identified the driver of the car as James Croft, 58, of Cape Elizabeth.

Art Night Out, a studio directly across from where the incident occurred, was still open when Paxson was hit. Betina Clark was conducting a class, and she and several students went to the scene when they saw police lights.

When they saw Paxson lying in the street, they called for one student, a nurse, who began CPR while they waited for rescue.

“In a situation like that, a second is like a million years,” said Clark.

According to Detective Steve Webster of the South Portland Police Department, the accident is still under investigation and it is not yet clear whether charges will be filed. He said the district attorney’s office will make that decision after receiving a full report from investigating officers.

Webster noted that Paxson was very close with her neighbors, who were like family to her.

“They all spoke very highly of her and she will be sadly missed,” said Webster.

Hobbs Funeral Home of South Portland is handling funeral arrangements.