Family mourns 20-year-old man killed in Unionport hit-and-run
The family of 20-year-old Brandon Jose De La Cruz stood outside a vigil for him on the Cross Bronx Expressway service road. On Sunday evening, Brandon was crossing the street on his way to the gym when he was fatally hit by a car.
The family of 20-year-old Brandon Jose De La Cruz stood outside a vigil for him on the Cross Bronx Expressway service road. On Sunday evening, Brandon was crossing the street on his way to the gym when he was fatally hit by a car. The driver did not stay on scene to assist him. He was taken to Jacobi Hospital where he died.
"We've been devastated because, it's been difficult. Brandon was a good kid, full of life," said Rommer Jose, Brandon's uncle.
People say the cars drive way too fast off the Cross Bronx Expressway and the ramp isn't long enough for the cars to slow down before the red light. News 12 captured video of multiple cars driving past the red light and other cars stopping in the middle of the crosswalk.
"This is not a highway. This is just a local street that they don't respect," said Carolina Valle, Brandon's family friend. She said Brandon and her son have been best friends since they were kids.
News 12 also spoke with Brandon's father Medardo Jose, who was emotional. He told News 12 he wants justice for his son who was treated like a dog. He wants the person who did this to come forward.
