An 83-year-old man was seriously injured after being hit by a car Sunday afternoon, according to police.
The accident happened just before 3 p.m. in the 3600 block of University Ave., right on the border of North Park and City Heights.
Co-workers identified the victim as George Danapoulous, the owner of “Disigns by Digeorgio.” They say Danapoulous was getting ready for a holiday party at the shop.
Store manager Tyler Hamilton says Danapoulous went to his car, which was parked on the street, to get something for his girlfriend. Hamilton says as his boss was getting out of the car, a female driver slammed into him.
“He flew through the tree and by the time he landed, I was right there," Hamilton said. "I was holding him while he was bleeding. It was bad.”
Witnesses say the impact was so great, it knocked him out of his clothes. Danapoulous was taken to the hospital with serious injuries to his head and both legs.
Co-workers say Danapoulous has been in business in the area for more than three decades. Friends described him as "a pillar to the community," feeding neighborhood kids on Saturdays and helping the homeless by letting them work in the shop.
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"Everyone knows him" Casey Parker said. "He'd give the shirt off his back to anybody."
"He heart for people," Hamilton added.
The co-workers told NBC 7 that speed is a problem on the street.
"This street is constant. Somebody's always getting hit by a car or something," Hamilton said. "They need to put a stop sign in somewhere."
There is no word on Danapoulous’ condition or what consequences the driver could face.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
