A newlywed was struck down by a hit-and-run driver and the suspect is still on the loose.
The death of Jorge Quezada has shocked his community. He just got married a few days ago.
On Wednesday evening, traffic on I-75 south was snarled for miles.
FHP says at around 7:30 p.m., 75-year-old Jorge Quezada was parked on the shoulder. He was standing outside the vehicle while his wife was inside.
Suddenly, a Ford pickup lost control and slammed into Quezada, killing him.
Instead of stopping, the driver kept going and eventually abandoned the vehicle on State Road 681.
The driver is still at large.
“Him and I were fishing buddies. And I’m certainly going to miss fishing with him,” said friend Robert Mina.
Mina just attended Quezada’s wedding a few days ago.
“George was married Saturday. A lovely bride. We went to a lovely wedding and right now, four days later, it’s a tragedy,” said Mina.
Quezada lived in a tight-knit Port Charlotte neighborhood. Everyone is in shock and hoping his new bride gets the justice she deserves.
“I just hope God is watching down on the family, because this is a great family,” said Mina.
Troopers say if that driver had stopped, they would’ve only had a citation. Now that person is facing felony charges.
“Please come forward, let’s find out why it happened. Just come forward, do the right thing,” pleaded Mina.
If you have any information, call FHP.
