A California family is grieving after a devastating hit-and-run crash that took the life of their 1-year-old son, Roger Sandoval Farias, and left his uncle dead at the scene. The tragic incident occurred early Sunday morning in Playa Del Rey as the family was returning home from a day at the beach.
A Desperate Attempt to Save a Life
Nicole Farias, the mother of the victim, clutched her son in her arms after the crash, desperately trying to save his life. Witnesses report that she removed her son’s teddy bear onesie, feeling his warmth, but quickly realizing his hands and feet were already cold.
“He’s still warm, he’s still warm,” Farias said through tears, holding her “baby” boy as several bystanders, including Cory Cooper, attempted to perform CPR until paramedics arrived.
Farias, visibly devastated, later spoke about her loss, saying, “I shouldn’t be burying my son. I wanted to see him walk, you know?” Roger, who was barely 1 year old and had not yet learned to walk, was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead.
His uncle, Oswaldo Sandoval Amaya, 25, tragically died at the scene, and two others in the car were hospitalized.
The Hit-and-Run Incident
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the driver of the white Jeep Cherokee that caused the crash was traveling southbound on Vista Del Mar Avenue when they crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with the family’s blue BMW.
After the crash, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot without providing aid or identifying themselves, as required by law.
LAPD officials have not publicly named the suspect, but they have stated they will release more information about the driver as the investigation continues.
Family’s Grief and Plea for Justice
Roger’s father, Oscar Sandoval, spoke emotionally about the loss of his son and his brother. Holding his son’s teddy bear onesie, Sandoval described the heart-wrenching moments after the crash, where he and his family tried to save Roger.
“I see my brother, his face, his chest… God, it’s hard,” he said, struggling to come to terms with the horrific events.
Nicole Farias shared her heartbreak, telling reporters, “I don’t wish this to nobody,” as she recalled the pain of losing her son in such a tragic and senseless manner.
Investigation and Search for the Suspect
Police continue to investigate the crash and are actively searching for the driver responsible. They have vowed to release further details about the suspect in the coming days. Meanwhile, the family mourns the loss of their beloved 1-year-old and his uncle, and community members have expressed their condolences for the grief-stricken family.
The hit-and-run has left the family in devastation, with a young child’s life taken far too soon and a family left to cope with the unimaginable.
