'I feel lost today': Man remembers brother killed in hitandrun
Nov 03, 2024
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Memphis Police are looking for a driver they say is responsible for a fatal hit-and-run that occurred Saturday night.
At approximately 11:00 p.m., officers responded to a fatal pedestrian crash at Winchester Road and Heather Ridge Drive, where a burgundy four-door vehicle and an unknown driver were traveling eastbound when the vehicle struck a male pedestrian, later identified as Freddy Lopez.
Tragically, Lopez sustained fatal injuries.
Freddy Lopez.Freddy Lopez.Freddy Lopez.Freddy Lopez.
"Well, I feel lost today because I lost my brother," the brother of the victim, Byron Perez-Lopez said.
Byron told WREG that he and Freddy had just got off work and were putting flowers up for another loved one off of Winchester Road.
He said the last thing he heard was Freddy saying "Wait for me" as they tried to cross.
"I was wearing these same sandals yesterday when it happened. I left them in the street while running over to him," Perez-Lopez said. "Over there were the arrows, I took off running and they left him thrown on the floor. Whenever I was crossing back over the street, I heard a great impact sounding like 'Boom!' I thought that the hit would push him forward, but unfortunately, it didn't and it cracked his head."
After the crash, the suspect fled eastbound on Winchester Rd, towards Clarke Road.
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Police say the vehicle involved will have heavy front-end damage on the driver's side of the vehicle and a shattered front windshield.
"The family is very upset," Perez-Lopez said. "My brother was a favorite amongst our family, so they are very sad because he was a very good person. (He) didn't get into any trouble, didn't commit any crimes."
Byron said his brother Freddy was known for his kindness to others, a trait Byron said he now wishes to carry on.
"So for example, yesterday at the store my brother decided to help somebody who didn't have enough money," Perez-Lopez said. "He told him 'You don't have any cash that is okay, I'll put it on my card."
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Now, the family is urging drivers in the area to slow down and for those walking to take precautions.
Byron said while in mourning, he hopes if the driver sees this, they will turn themselves in.
"Think with your conscious," Perez-Lopez said. "For example, if I hit somebody, I would step (out) and check on the person that I possibly (hit) and make sure they are okay and not just leave them there."
Anyone with any information regarding this crash should contact Crime Stoppers or Sgt. R. Strickland of the Memphis Police Department STIS Bureau phone (901) 636-4046.
The family says they are able to receive donations as they are looking for help for burial expenses.
If you would like to donate, please contact WREG reporter, Brian Didlake at his email [email protected] to get in contact with the family.