Man Hit & Killed While Crossing Street In Coral Gables
CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami) – One man died Sunday after being hit by a car while crossing a Coral Gables Street.
Guillermo Castano Campanioni, 36, was killed while crossing a street near Miracle Mile.
"He was such a beautiful person you would look at him it would brighten up your day," said cousin Johanna Felipe. "It's just not going to be the same."
Guillermo Castano's free spirit and bright smile brought joy to his family and friends.
"He was a great person and I think that if God would have let him stay in this world he would have been a great motivation for younger kids," added Felipe. "He's a very positive person."
"I miss him a lot. He was a really good brother," said his brother Gio Castano.
Father's Day began with heartbreaking news. Castano's family learned he was killed while crossing SW 37th Avenue at Miracle Mile. The family said he was leaving a club about 3:15 in the morning.
At the same time, a car driven by Octavia La Dawn Blue, 38, was traveling down 37th Avenue through the intersection at Miracle Mile during a green light, according to police. That's when, detectives said, Blue hit Castano.
"I guess he was on the phone the car didn't see him he didn't see the car," said Felipe.
Blue stayed on the scene to help him but Castano died from his injuries.
Police said the driver was not drinking, she had a green light, and stopped immediately after the accident which means a lot to this grieving family.
"The driver that did this to my cousin," said Felipe. "I know it wasn't intentionally. I know that it was the wrong place at the wrong time, but I do want to thank you for calling the cops calling the fire rescue trying to save his life."
On Father's Day, Guillermo's dad says it's hard to find the words to express his grief, but he says he lost a good son and family members are thankful for the time they shared.
"I'm glad we left on good terms because we used to have a bad relationship me and him as brothers and recently we got so well along, I'm really going to miss going to the movies with him going to the mall I'm really going to miss that," said Gio Castano.
"He was just the light of the room and I know he's up there with his mom and God and he's an angel now," said Felipe.
As the family remembers Castano, the members ask everyone to be careful on the roads whether walking or driving.
The driver of the car is a member of The University of Miami women's basketball staff.
The university released a statement late Sunday: "The University of Miami and Octavia Blue, a member of our women's basketball staff, express our sincere sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Guillermo Campanioni. No words can bring true comfort to those who loved Mr. Campanioni, but our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time."
Watch Maggie Newland's report, click here.
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