A Life Cut Short: Remembering the Victim of a Hit-and-Run Tragedy in Hollywood
In a heart-wrenching incident, a 24-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding his scooter in Hollywood. Tommy Sanchez, who had recently moved to the area, was heading home after celebrating his birthday when tragedy struck. The driver of a black sedan failed to stop, identify themselves, or offer aid after the collision, leaving Tommy’s family and friends devastated.
Family, friends, and former high school classmates gathered to honor Tommy’s memory and celebrate the life he lived. Tommy’s father, Javier Sanchez, expressed his grief, saying, “I haven’t processed the fact that he’s no longer with us, but I’m doing my best to go little by little.” The victim’s mother, Yerlin Catalan, couldn’t hold back her tears as she spoke about her son, saying, “My son passed away, it’s not fair. My son needs to be in life because he’s only 24-years-old.”
Dash-cam footage from a nearby Uber captured the moment when Tommy and his friend turned left and were tragically struck by the hit-and-run driver. Tommy’s stepmother, Ana Sanchez, questioned how someone could leave the scene without rendering aid, saying, “If it was an accident, I forgive the person, but the fact that you left our child to die there without rendering aid, how did they do that? How do you walk away from that?”
Tommy, the eldest of six siblings, was remembered as a loyal friend and a dedicated football player at Burbank High School. His friends spoke fondly of their memories with him, expressing their sorrow at his untimely passing. Jamie Giammichele, a close friend, shared, “The days I got to spend with him and get close to him are memories I’m never going to forget.”
Tommy’s smile spoke volumes about his character, his love for his family, and his ability to maintain long-lasting friendships. The crowd of people who came to pay their respects is a testament to the impact he had on the lives of those around him. His father expressed the family’s devastation, saying, “He was a blessing for us, and we’re devastated by the situation.”
In their time of grief, Tommy’s family has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses. They believe that the black sedan involved in the hit-and-run likely sustained damage and are hopeful that someone will come forward with more information. The LAPD is urging anyone with information about the collision to contact detectives at 213-473-0234 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating impact that hit-and-run accidents can have on families and communities. As personal injury bloggers, we extend our deepest condolences to Tommy’s family and friends and hope that justice will be served in this case.
Tag: Personal Injury Law
