UPDATED: HEMET: Candlelight vigil held for elderly victim killed by hit and run driver

UPDATE: March 9, 9:30 a.m.

HEMET – City of Hemet police officials are seeking the public’s help identifying a hit and run driver who struck and killed an elderly pedestrian Tuesday evening, March 7. The victim was fatally struck while he was walking across a busy Hemet Street.

The fatal accident happened about 6:18 p.m., in the middle of the roadway between Chase Bank and McDonald’s, near the intersection of Florida Avenue and Mayflower Street in Hemet.

The pedestrian, who was identified by family members as Danny Silva, sustained major traumatic injuries when he was hit by the unidentified driver.

Silva, a retired house painter who had two adult children, has been described by different media outlets as either 64 or 66-years-old. Despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead about 20 minutes later.

According to family and friends, Silva lived about a block away from where the deadly hit and run happened.

Silva was not using a cross walk when he was struck.

Silva’s family, friends, loved ones, and members from throughout the community held a candlelight vigil for their deceased loved one Wednesday night March 8. The vigil was held near where Silva was fatally struck.

Hemet City Council member Karlee Meyer, who was at last night’s vigil, discussed the deadly incident, saying, “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Danny Silva. It is a shame that the driver did not stop and take responsibility.”

“I have full confidence that our investigators, along with tips from citizens, will bring this person to justice,” Meyer continued.

The morning after the vigil, Meyer also said, “I know we are all busy, but let this be a reminder to everyone to slow down. There have been too many unnecessary accidents lately.”

City of Hemet police officers began investigating the hit and run traffic collision after emergency dispatchers received numerous 911 calls from citizens reporting the deadly collision.

During their investigation, authorities learned Silva was walking across Florida Avenue when he was fatally struck by a large sport utility vehicle near the intersection. The SUV has been described as possibly a white Chevrolet Suburban.

The driver of the SUV did not stop or render first aid to the mortally wounded pedestrian and fled the scene prior to the arrival of police officials.

AMR medics transported Silva to Hemet Valley Hospital where he died a short time later.

Silva’s jacket, shoes, and other personal items were left scattered in the roadway while police conducted their investigation. The items were later photographed, documented, and recovered as evidence by officials.

“My heart is in pain,” Silva’s sister Silvia Perez told KTLA5. “My brother was a good man.”

Silva’s cousin, Ofelia Saldana, told KTLA5 that the victim’s family wants the driver to come forward.

“(Danny Silva) was a human…and you just don’t hurt people like that,” she said.

Family members have set up a gofundme account to help offset Silva’s funeral expenses. By the end of the first day, the account had received over $600 in donations.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has any information which may help investigators should contact Hemet police officials at (951) 765-2400. Callers can remain anonymous.

Click any image to open full-size gallery.

John Strangis video

Robert Carter/Public Safety Incidents video

Robert Carter/Public Safety Incidents video

 

Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg in an off-duty accident.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including the Robert Presley Detention Center, the Southwest Station in Temecula, the Hemet Station, and the Lake Elsinore Station, along with many other locations.