A Lyft driver killed in an hit-and-run on his birthday early Saturday morning on State Route 94 loved helping people, his family said.
Henry O. Reyes, 41, died early Saturday morning when he pulled over on the freeway between 25th and 28th Street after one of the three passengers in his car became sick, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers said.
"He was someone that couldn't say no. He loved helping people," said Evette Roux, Reyes' sister.
A suspect slammed into the back of Reyes' car at approximately 1:12 a.m. Investigators said they believed Reyes had gotten out of the car to help the sick passenger when the collision occured; he was pronounced dead on scene.
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The hit-and-run driver then lost control of his car, landing in an embankment.
The driver, identified as Steven Quintero on Tuesday, fled on foot after the crash. He was later arrested while attempting to escape on foot.
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According to Reyes' family, the father had recently graduated from Dental School and was driving for Lyft for extra income to help pay for another two year apprenticeship and provide support his two-year old son.
"He was building a future for us," said Caludia Mendez, Reyes' girlfriend and the mother of his two-year old son.
She added: "I can say that he's a great father, he helped he loved to help."
His family has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for some of the costs of the service. Additional donations will go to provide support for his son. To donate, click here.
"My son loved his dad and I loved him too," Mendez told NBC 7. "He's in our hearts. I know he's going to be there all the way with me."
Lyft released a statement on the fatal crash:
“We were heartbroken to learn of the tragic hit-and-run accident that took the life of a Lyft driver,” Lyft spokesman Alexandra LaManna said. “Our deepest condolences are with the victim’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Quintero will be arriagned on Wednesday in a San Diego courthouse.
