A Tragic Loss: Hit-and-Run Driver Claims Life of NJ Man Clearing Snow

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Abel Herrera, a New Jersey father, lost his life tragically while attempting to clear snow off his car. The incident unfolded on Alabama Avenue in Paterson at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Monday. Herrera, a 59-year-old man, was diligently working to remove snow from his vehicle, a routine task for many residents following a snowy night. Little did he know that this simple chore would lead to a devastating outcome.

Caught on the family’s surveillance camera, an SUV careened out of control on the slick roadway, fatally striking Herrera before fleeing the scene. The driver callously left the victim to perish on the street, leaving behind a grieving family and a community in shock. Herrera’s wife, who was inside the car at the time, witnessed the tragic incident unfold as she sat in disbelief, her husband’s life slipping away before her eyes.

The Impact of the Tragedy on the Community

For Anabel Angon, Herrera’s daughter, the news of her father’s untimely death struck her while she was returning from a vacation. As she grappled with the reality of losing her beloved father, she expressed her anguish and disbelief, emphasizing the need for the hit-and-run driver to be held accountable for their actions. “She was in the car, she saw everything,” Angon recounted, reflecting on the driver’s heartless decision to flee the scene. “He should have stopped and helped him.”

The family shed light on the longstanding issue of speeding along Alabama Avenue, a concern that has plagued the community for some time. Recounting a recent close call where a child narrowly escaped being struck by a speeding vehicle, the victim’s son-in-law highlighted the dangers posed by reckless drivers on the street. Paterson City Councilman Luis Velez echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the need for immediate action to address the speeding epidemic. Velez pledged to raise the matter during an upcoming council meeting, underscoring the urgency of implementing measures to enhance road safety and prevent future tragedies.

Seeking Justice and Closure

As the investigation into the hit-and-run incident unfolds, the victim’s family grapples with an immeasurable loss, grappling with the void left by Herrera’s absence. While nothing can erase the pain of losing a beloved family member, the family appeals to the driver responsible for the fatal collision to come forward and take accountability for their actions. Angon’s plea for justice resonates with a raw emotion as she implores the driver to turn themselves in to authorities, urging them to consider the devastating impact of their actions. “Just go to the police, say it was you. Just think if it was your dad. It’s not fair, it’s not fair for us,” Angon stressed, encapsulating the family’s plea for closure and justice in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy.

As the community mourns the loss of Abel Herrera, his memory serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and the importance of accountability on the road. In the face of tragedy, his family’s unwavering call for justice stands as a testament to the enduring impact of senseless acts of violence. May Herrera’s legacy endure as a beacon of hope and remembrance in the quest for safer streets and a more compassionate society.