Aspiring National Guardsman, 19, Killed by Alleged Drunken Driver While Waiting at a Bus Stop 8 Days Before His Birthday

Aspiring National Guardsman, 19, Killed by Alleged Drunken Driver at Bus Stop

A tragic incident struck in California as a 19-year-old aspiring national guardsman lost his life to an alleged drunken driver while waiting at a bus stop. The victim, identified as Ricky Ray Reyes Jr., had his life cut short just 8 days before his birthday in a devastating turn of events. Sacramento City Council Member Lisa Kaplan highlighted the heart-wrenching loss by emphasising that no one should have to endure such a tragedy and urged against driving under the influence.

The Sacramento Police Department (SPD) responded to the collision involving Ricky Ray Reyes Jr. on Wednesday, August 6th. The young man was waiting for the bus at the Del Paso Road and El Centro Road intersection when the fatal incident occurred. Despite prompt intervention from officers, Reyes Jr. succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver of the vehicle, who displayed signs of intoxication, was arrested and remains in the hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.

Law enforcement officials from the Major Collision Investigations Unit (MCIU) and Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) promptly attended the scene to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The SPD is actively seeking information from any individuals who may have witnessed the tragic event and has encouraged them to come forward by contacting the police at (916) 808-5471. Valuable tips provided may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000, as the investigation progresses.

In a heartfelt tribute on a GoFundMe page set up to support his funeral expenses, Reyes Jr.’s family described him as a young man known for his integrity, kindness, and unwavering care for those around him. Apart from his aspirations to join the national guards and his involvement in JROTC at school, Reyes Jr. spent weekends at the Army National Guard Base in Sacramento, preparing for a future in the military. Additionally, he worked at Corti Brothers, crafting deli sandwiches for the local community.

The void left by Reyes Jr.’s untimely passing has deeply impacted his loved ones, who now face the daunting task of arranging his funeral amidst their grief. His family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and shared that Ricky Ray Reyes Jr.’s legacy of striving for a better future for himself and his family will always be cherished. The tragic loss of such a promising young individual underscores the importance of road safety and responsible behaviour behind the wheel to prevent further tragedies like this from occurring.

As the community mourns the loss of a bright young soul, the memory of Ricky Ray Reyes Jr. will endure through the hearts of those who knew and loved him. The call to action against drunk driving reverberates strongly in the aftermath of this devastating incident, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless actions on the road. May Ricky Ray Reyes Jr. rest in peace, and may his story inspire greater awareness and vigilance on our roads to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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