A Los Banos family is mourning a tragic loss. Sunday, 18-year-old Fernando Buenrostros died of injuries he sustained in a hit and run accident.
The family is pleading to find the person responsible.
Victim's father Fernando Buenrostro Sr. says, "I still can't believe it that I don't have him. I woke up today and I was able to smell him in the morning."
A heartbroken family is looking for answers.
"My son was taken away from me and he was ran over by a truck. A truck that never made the single most important decision to either stop or prevent it."
18-year-old Fernando Buenrostro Jr. had a lot of life ahead of him.
"He had a big heart. He loved his friends. He loved his brothers."
The National Guard soldier was recently promoted. A week ago, he moved out on his own for the first time. But over the weekend, his life was tragically cut short.
"I was expecting on my way over there to be able to speak to him or talk to him, but never to say goodbye."
Fernando's father says his son was hanging out with some friends near a park on Fairmont and Cardinal in Los Banos. He was riding a motorized scooter, when a white pick-up truck plowed into him. Police say it appears Fernando was dragged about 200 feet, and the truck kept going.
Los Banos Police Commander Ray Reyna says, "It's disheartening that someone would leave someone lying on the side of the road like that, especially in a community like ours."
Monday, Fernando's friends visited the crash site. A memorial now stands there in his honor.
Daysi Barajas says, "I didn't get to see him at the hospital. He's going to be missed very much."
Fernando's dad has a simple request for the person who killed his son.
"Do the right thing, you know be responsible for you actions and let God do the rest. My boy's gone already. I know that. Nothing is going to bring him back, but have the courage to come forward and give yourself up that's all I ask."
Police believe the suspect's truck is a white Chevy or Ford pick-up. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Los Banos Police Department at (209) 827-7070.
TXT 24
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