The wife of a Corona man who was killed by a drunk driver when he was coming home from work on his bicycle in Sunnyside has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for his funeral.
Gelacio Reyes, 32, was going home from his shift as a delivery man in Manhattan when 25-year-old Cristian Guiracocha hit him at the intersection of 39th Street and 43rd Avenue with his red 2002 Ford Escape. The incident happened at about 2:53 a.m. on April 1.
Flor Jimenez, Reyes’ wife, started a GoFundMe page to raise $2,000 for funeral costs. As of April 4, she had raised $2,225.
“My name is Flor Jimenez [and] my husband died in an accident by a hit and run while coming back from work in his bicycle,” the page read. “He was the main support for my family and leaves me with 2 boys and a newborn baby girl. I thank everyone who can help me raise money to cover funeral costs.”
According to the Daily News, he left behind two boys and a 1-month old girl.
“I feel sad because a driver just hit him by accident and he just ran away,” said Michael Reyes, the victim’s 8-year-old son. “Maybe he couldn’t control the car. Maybe when he escaped, maybe he didn’t want to go to jail. He’s supposed to say sorry.”
Guiracocha, who was drunk and not carrying his license, left the scene but cops were able to track him down several hours later. According to the Daily News, cops found him near Brian’s Auto Shop in Woodside texting inside the car, which was still running. He also had vomit on his pants.
Guiracocha had his license revoked twice before the incident and was charged on Saturday with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operator and refusal to take a breath test.
Reyes’ funeral will take place on April 6 at Rivera Funeral Home located at 104-02 37 Ave. from 4 to 9 p.m.
To donate money, visit the GoFundMe page.
