Bicyclist Killed In Compton Hit-And-Run Was A Father Of 9
COMPTON (CBSLA) — A man on a bicycle has died after being struck by a driver who fled the scene in Compton.
Authorities say the bicyclist was crossing Alondra Boulevard when he was struck by the vehicle. Investigators say the accident unfolded just after midnight Sunday.
Authorities hope security video in the area captured the crash, and that witnesses come forward.
Residents in the area described the victim as a father of nine and a grandfather of five who lived in the area. His family released his identity to CBS Los Angeles as 59-year-old Darnell Parker Sr.
CBS2's Joy Benedict spoke to Parker's heartbroken family.
He was killed just a few blocks from his home.
"We just heard that he was laying out in the street," said Parker's daughter-in-law Tracy Brown. She is married to Darnell Jr.
"Someone hit him, he was on his bike," Tracey said, "And they just left."
She can't believe her father-in-law is gone.
"He has children, They're going to need him. They're going to miss out on very important things they can't even share with their dad," she said.
Brown urged the driver to come forward.
"He did not deserve to be taken out like that," she said, "He was too good of a man."