Los Angeles, California — A 58-year-old man who had just learned he was about to become a grandfather was killed in a devastating early-morning crash on the 110 Freeway, and his family is now pleading for the public’s help to find a box truck driver who allegedly left the scene.
Perry Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene following a crash involving his motorcycle, a BMW and a box truck around 6 a.m. on Feb. 6, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Authorities said Hernandez was found lying in the roadway when first responders arrived. While other vehicles involved reportedly remained at the scene, the box truck left before police could speak with the driver.
Family’s Morning Routine Turned Into Tragedy
Hernandez’s daughter, Marissa Hernandez, said her father had not ridden his motorcycle in some time and was excited to get back on it the morning of the crash. He left home early to ride to work.
When his mother did not receive her usual morning phone call from him — something she considered routine — the family grew concerned.
“That was a red flag,” Marissa said.
After repeated calls went unanswered, the family turned on the news and saw traffic backed up on the 110 Freeway. When cameras showed the crash scene, they recognized the motorcycle lying in the road.
Police later confirmed Hernandez’s identity through the medical examiner.
Driver Allegedly Left Scene
According to reports, the box truck involved in the collision did not remain at the scene. Hernandez’s son, Perry Hernandez Jr., said the idea that someone could drive away while his father lay injured in the roadway is deeply troubling.
“[I] just think about him laying there and the person just driving away and living their day-to-day life,” he said.
Marissa Hernandez echoed that pain.
“It wasn’t okay for them to do what they did and treat him as if he was nothing. He had us to come home to.”
A Grandfather He’ll Never Meet
Just before the crash, Hernandez Jr. had shared joyful news with his father — he was going to become a grandfather.
“My wife’s pregnant, and knowing my child won’t have their grandpa or my dad there, it hurts,” he said.
Marissa added through tears that her father will also miss major milestones in her life.
“When I get married, I won’t have my dad to walk me down the aisle.”
The family says Hernandez was a devoted father and husband whose sudden death has left an irreplaceable void.
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Attorney Urges Driver to Come Forward
Attorney Vahagn Koshkaryan, who is representing the Hernandez family, called on the driver — and potentially the company that owns the truck — to step forward.
He urged them to “be forthcoming … otherwise they could possibly be facing some criminal charges.”
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal crash. As of now, no arrests have been announced.
The Hernandez family is asking anyone with information about the box truck or its driver to contact authorities.
For the family, the grief is compounded by unanswered questions and the hope that someone will come forward with the information they need.
If you have any information about this crash, authorities urge you to contact the California Highway Patrol. Share your thoughts or messages of support for the Hernandez family in the comments below.
