Gerardo Garcia Wrongful Death by Car Accident
The identity of the 19-year-old skateboarder who was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Lake Elsinore on New Year’s Eve was released today by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.
Gerardo Garcia of Wildomar was hit from behind while skateboarding in the 1500 block of Lakeshore Drive, just west of Morton Avenue, at around 6:48 p.m. on Dec. 31, the coroner’s office reported.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reported earlier that Garcia succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 1, after it was determined by doctors that he was brain dead, according to Cpl. Courtney Donowho.
Investigators said the lack of skid marks on the pavement indicate the driver did not attempt to brake.
Witnesses told investigators the driver of a light-colored Honda drove away, leaving Garcia by the side of the road. Investigators said the Honda may have a modified muffler and front-end damage.
The victim's family is pleading for the public's help finding the driver.
"My son is dead and as a mother I need help so justice can be done," said Garcia's mother, Rosario Hernandez.
Garcia and his sister, Cynthia Aguilar, had planned to ring in the new year together.
"We are all going to miss him," Aguilar said. "He was everything to us. It is going to take a while to even think in my head that he is gone. To me he is still here."
Investigators are also hoping the driver of the Honda will come forward.
The coroner listed Garcia’s time of death as 4:03 a.m. today. He died at Inland Valley Medical Center.
The search for the hit-and-run driver continues and the case is still being actively investigated, Cpl. Donowho reported today.
Witnesses described the hit-and-run vehicle as a light-colored, lowered Honda with front-end damage.
Sheriff’s investigators asked that anyone with information contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
