Father Grieves Son Killed in Ocala Hit-and-Run Accident Thanksgiving Morning
It was with bittersweet emotions that the father of a 23-year-old man accepted the diploma from Florida State University on his behalf. The young man was not there to receive the diploma himself because he had been struck and killed on Thanksgiving morning as he walked in a crosswalk on Southwest 10th Street in Ocala.
The 26-year old driver of the red Chevrolet Blazer that struck him left the scene of the accident. Police reports said there were no skid marks that indicated the driver had slowed down before striking the man — or even used the brakes after he hit him.
The Ocala pedestrian wrongful death attorneys at Farah & Farah have been watching with great dismay as incidents of hit-and-run pedestrian accidents continue to rise in Florida. The reasons for this behavior vary, but they are never excusable.
The young man’s father is devastated and wonders if his son would still be alive if the hit-and-run driver had stopped to help, rather than fleeing. He told Ocala.com, “He left the (scene of the accident) because he knew he did something wrong. I’m not forgiving the guy right now … I wish he had stayed at the scene.”
After he was found and arrested, the 26-year old hit-and-run driver allegedly told Ocala Police that he had been drinking before driving that morning and had panicked after the accident.
The father told Ocala.com that he had two fears in life: him dying of a prolonged disease that his family had to witness, and one of his children dying before him.
“One of those nightmares came true,” he stated.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to the impairment or negligence of another, call the law firm of Farah & Farah at (800) 533-3555 or contact us online for a free consultation. We can discuss your case and outline your legal options. We’re here to help during difficult times.
