By Mike Kinney
A fundraiser has been launched to support a Richmond family mourning the tragic death of a father of three.
Cristobal Nunez-Reyes, 40, of Richmond, was fatally struck by in a hit-and-run collision on 23rd Street in Richmond Thursday afternoon.
A gold, late 1990s to early 2000s Toyota Avalon hit Nunez-Reyes as he was crossing the street near Roosevelt Avenue just before 4 p.m. The suspect fled the scene, leaving Nunes-Reyes dying in the roadway, police said.
Richmond police Lt. John Lopez called the incident an tragedy and said the department is searching for the suspect.
“The Richmond Police Department sends its heartfelt thoughts, prayers and love to the family,” Lopez said.
Nunez-Reyes’ niece launched the GoFundMe fundraiser to help his wife and children with funeral expenses.
“This is a rough time for my family and I,” said Nancy Martinez in the fundraiser. “He was a pure soul and he will be missed by all of us.”
According to KTVU-Ch.2, loved ones gathered at the site where Nunez-Reyes died for a memorial on Monday. The news station reported that Nunez-Reyes had been crossing the street near Roosevelt Avenue with a co-worker, en route to a market, when he was struck by the vehicle. He was described as a “talented and hard-working landscape construction worker,” KTVU added.
Richmond police are searching for driver of the Toyota Avalon involved in his death. The vehicle had a sunroof and rear-tinted windows and was missing the rear passenger side hubcap, police said. It also has distinct damage to the rear driver’s side passenger door and should have damage to the front passenger side headlight and windshield area.
Anyone who sees this vehicle or has other information related to the case is encouraged to call RPD (510) 233-1214 or your local police department. If you have any information about this vehicle, contact Traffic Officer Patchin at (510) 965-4903.
