Family Of Tourist Killed In Hit & Run Ask For Help In Finding Driver
FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - The family of a Jamaican tourist who died in a hit and run accident earlier this month in Oakland Park has made a public plea for the driver to come forward.
Rollin Francis, 35, was struck Sunday, August 10th, as he tried to cross West Oakland Park Boulevard to reach a convenience store.
Click here to watch Joan Murray's report.
Broward Sheriff's investigators said the driver had the right of way but the problem was he didn't stay at the scene of the accident.
Francis' sister Lornette said family was everything to her brother. When he left Jamaica earlier this month to visit South Florida for the first time it was a dream come true. The dream was shattered with his death.
The crushing weight of her grief is almost unbearable but Lornette travelled 600 miles to make this plea.
"I ask for help from anybody, please," said a tearful Francis who said she's struggling to understand how their lives will go on without her brother.
"I don't even know how to explain this to his kids," said Francis. "The four kids keep crying that they need their dad. If you saw how he played with his kids, he played, he hug my mom, he said 'Mom, I'm going to America and I'm going to bring back a good pair of shoes for you'."
Investigators said the vehicle they are looking for is an older model tan Cadillac Seville with front end and windshield damage. The driver is described as a heavyset white male, between the ages of 35 and 50 with a salt and pepper beard.
"(As for the driver), If he would have just stayed on the scene he may not have even been cited," said sheriff's spokeswoman Dani Moschella. "As we've seen with so many hit and runs, people flee out of fear or for whatever reason."
The family needs financial help to pay for Francis' body being returned to Jamaica.
If you would like to assist call family friend Sharon Myles (754) 207-0011.
And if you know anything about the accident contact Broward Crimestoppers (954) 493-TIPS.
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