Perry Hernandez, a 58-year-old California resident, died in a hit-and-run incident while riding his motorcycle on February 6. The crash occurred on the 110 freeway in Los Angeles, involving his motorcycle, a BMW, and a box truck that fled the scene. His family is appealing for public help to identify the truck driver.
On the morning of February 6, around 6 a.m., Perry Hernandez, 58, was riding his motorcycle on the 110 freeway in Los Angeles, California, heading to work. He had not ridden the bike for some time and was excited to do so again, according to his daughter, Marissa Hernandez. The California Highway Patrol reported that the crash involved Hernandez's motorcycle, a BMW, and a box truck. Hernandez was found lying in the road and was pronounced dead at the scene.
First responders arrived to find the BMW and another vehicle still present, but the box truck had left. The family learned of the tragedy when Hernandez's mother did not receive her usual morning call from him. After unanswered attempts to reach him, they turned on local news from KTLA and recognized his motorcycle in footage of backed-up traffic at the crash site. Police confirmed his identity through the medical examiner.
In interviews with KTLA, family members expressed grief and frustration over the driver's flight. Perry Hernandez Jr., the victim's son, said the decision to leave made "no sense," adding, "[I] just think about him laying there and the person just driving away and living their day-to-day life." Marissa Hernandez noted, "It wasn't okay for them to do what they did and treat him as if he was nothing. He had us to come home to."
The loss is especially poignant as Perry Hernandez Jr. had recently told his father he would become a grandfather, with his wife pregnant. He shared, "knowing my child won't have their grandpa or my dad there, it hurts." Marissa added tearfully, "When I get married, I won't have my dad to walk me down the aisle."
Attorney Vahagn Koshkaryan, representing the family, called on the driver and any employing company to come forward, warning they could face criminal charges otherwise. The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate, with no arrests made. The family and friends urge anyone with information to assist.