Following the death of a famed dancer, Zina Bethune (a.k.a. Zina Feeley), PETA today announced it was posthumously bestowing upon her a Compassionate Action Award.

Bethune was struck by at least two vehicles after she stopped to help an injured opossum near Griffith Park over the weekend.

In a statement this morning, the group notes:

A PETA member for many years, Bethune was known for her work with the New York City Ballet, in movies, and on television and Broadway. She was also the founder of Infinite Dreams, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching dance to children with disabilities.

The org says her widower will receive a framed certificate to commemorate the award. PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk:

Zina dedicated her life to helping those in need. The death of such a caring soul is a loss to her family, her friends, and the whole community. We hope that her compassion and courage will inspire others to help animals in distress.

Bethune, 66, pulled her 2006 Lincoln Town Car to the side of 6200 block of Forest Lawn Drive at 12:05 a.m. Sunday to help an injured critter when she was struck by two cars.

Cops say the driver of one of the vehicles, a white one, might have fled the scene: If you have any info they want your help. Call: 213-972-1825.

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.