Family of Hit-and-Run Victim Seeks Justice
The tragic hit-and-run incident that took the life of 81-year-old Augestin Youhanna in Rancho San Diego has left his family devastated and pleading for the driver responsible to come forward. It has been over two weeks since the accident, and the family is still searching for answers, hoping for closure in this heartbreaking situation.
Augestin Youhanna, a beloved member of the community, was on his way home from St. Peter Catholic Church when he was struck by a vehicle. His son, Patrick Youhanna, recalled the last text message he received from his father, informing him that he was attending church. Little did he know that it would be the final communication from his father, leaving the family in disbelief and sorrow.
The routine walk that Augestin took from the church to his residence on Jamacha Road and Brabham Street turned fatal on September 1. He was a familiar face in the neighborhood, known for his dedication to teaching mathematics and Arabic to others. His commitment to education and service to the community made his loss even more profound for those who knew him.
Desperate Plea for Information
The California Highway Patrol has released a description of the suspect involved in the hit-and-run incident. The driver, described as a bald Middle Eastern man, approximately 5’5” in height and weighing between 150-180 pounds, was driving a mid-2000s Toyota Corolla with faded gold paint. The driver was making a right turn onto Jamacha Road when he collided with Augestin, who was legally crossing the street, before fleeing the scene.
The impact of the collision left Augestin with severe injuries, leading to brain damage that ultimately resulted in his passing. Despite efforts to save him, Augestin slipped into a coma and passed away the following day at Sharp Memorial Hospital. His family, already dealing with the loss of their mother earlier in the year, now faces the unbearable pain of losing both parents within months of each other.
Augestin’s sons, Sam and Patrick, expressed their grief and shared fond memories of their father. Sam remembered his father’s passion for teaching and his willingness to help others, while Patrick found solace in the belief that his parents had been reunited in the afterlife. The family finds comfort in knowing that Augestin is now with his late wife, watching over them and sending them love from above.
A Call for Justice and Closure
The Youhanna family, along with the community, is urging anyone with information about the hit-and-run incident to come forward. The California Highway Patrol, El Cajon office, can be reached at 619-401-2000 for those who may have witnessed the accident or have additional details that could assist in the investigation. Bringing the responsible party to justice is crucial not only for the family but also for ensuring the safety of pedestrians and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, the family remains hopeful that the driver will be identified and held accountable for their actions. Augestin Youhanna’s memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his legacy of kindness and dedication to others will never be forgotten. The plea for justice serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and responsibility on the road, emphasizing the need for drivers to adhere to traffic laws and prioritize pedestrian safety at all times.
