A 70-year-old nurse has died in the hospital where she worked for decades after a homeless man attacked her on her way to work.

UK Metro reported that Sandra Shells was at a bus stop where she was waiting for transportation to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center when she was struck in the head by the homeless man around 5.15am on Thursday.

Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the attack as Daily Mail reported that a homeless man, Kerry Bell, 48, was found sleeping not far from the bus stop the same day and arrested without incident.

Bell was arrested on suspicion of assault, which could be updated to suspicion of murder, according to the publication.

He was said to have left Shells with a fractured skull after he allegedly punched Shells on her head and caused her to hit her head on the ground, possibly against concrete.

The LA County-USC Medical Center officials confirmed her death on Sunday.

The hospital revealed that Shells died of her injuries at the same hospital where she served for 38 years.

“We are deeply saddened by this news. Sandra Shells will forever be remembered for her compassionate care and unmatched dedication to her patients and her community throughout her 38-year career at LAC+USC.

“Sandra worked tirelessly and selflessly to keep her patients safe and healthy and will always be remembered as a kind, compassionate and giving nurse with a helpful and thoughtful nature who was a favourite amongst colleagues and patients.

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

Meanwhile, the LAPD said that Bell is being held on $2million bail, jail records show he had one prior arrest in Los Angeles and multiple other arrests in other states.