Good Samaritan Killed In Multi-Car Crash Honored In Coral Gables
CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami) – The City of Coral Gables honored the Good Samaritan who died in a tragic crash while trying to help two teenage girls stuck on the side of the road.
Eduardo "Eddy" Hernandez had worked for the City of Coral Gables since 1994. He was a maintenance collections supervisor in the parking department.
At Coral Gables City Hall Tuesday, city officials presented the Hernandez family a Declaration of Grievance, a Key to the City and a plaque.
He was a treasured City of Coral Gables employee mourned by everyone who knew him.
His wife said he is her hero.
"He was our rock and we are very proud of what he did. He's our hero and will always be our hero," said Fatima Hernandez.
The tragedy unfolded when Anapaula Saldana, 17, and Caroline Agreda, 17, collided with an SUV driven by 68-year-old Josefa Quinones at SW 157th Avenue and 56th Street at about 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 13th.
Police said the girls got out of the car and were standing outside when Hernandez, a father of three, pulled up and tried to help them. As he spoke to them on the side of the road, all three were hit by another car.
Investigators said Christopher Masferrer, 30, was behind the wheel.
Investigators believe speed and alcohol may be a factor in the crash but toxicology results are pending.
No arrests have been made so far.
In the meantime, Coral Gables employees have mobilized to help the Hernandez family and organized a fundraising car wash.
The car wash will take place Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Coral Gables Fire Station 2 located at 525 South Dixie Highway.
Funds collected will benefit the Hernandez Memorial Family Account.
Each car wash will be $5; donations are welcomed. Tickets may be purchased prior to the day of the event at the Police Operations Desk (POD) located at the Coral Gables Police Department, 2801 Salzedo Street, and on site the day of the event. All proceeds will go directly to the trust account.
