Family asking for public’s help after hit-and-run victim dies

Family members of a Cathedral City man who was killed in an unusual double hit-and-run last week is demanding answers.

A niece of 51-year old Theodore Torres tells News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 he passed away Friday evening after suffering serious injuries Wednesday night.

Torres was first hit by an SUV around 9 that night on Ramon Road-then hit again by an ambulance that was carrying another victim, according the CHP.

Dozens of Torres’s family members and friends held a candlelight vigil on at the crash site in Cathedral City Friday night just hours after he past.

Not only did they want to remember their loved one, but also to bring attention to the area where he was hit, a busy street the family says is too dangerous for pedestrians.

“There was two accidents on this street within almost ten minutes of each other we need to find the person who did this and if anyone has any information please step up please please,” said Torres’s niece Christina Torres.

Family members also tell us they are very frustrated with the investigation still waiting for answers as to why and how an ambulance could have missed a second victim the night of the crash.

“First an apology or acceptance of what happened or a statement it’s just we are talking to a bunch of random people we want someone to sit us all together and tell us what is going on because we are just hearing stories and stories and stories,” said Torres’s niece Amberlea Martinez.

While friends and family members reminisced about Torres by candlelight, they were also thinking about the family of the other hit-and-run victim and told us they are sending prayers their way.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating both crashes because an ambulance was involved.

Anyone with information is asked to call CHP at (760) 772-8911 or you can call Valley Crimestopers at (760) 241-stop. Callers can remain anonymous and could earn up to a $1,000 reward.