A family in east Bakersfield is mourning the death of 35-year-old Pablo Ortiz, who relatives say was struck and killed in an apparent hit-and-run on Fairfax Road early Saturday morning.
Alejandro Yepez said his older brother was hit near the intersection of Fairfax Road and Pictoria Avenue. Yepez said the family is seeking answers and wants the driver to come forward.
“So I just hope they do the right thing and come forward and just own up to their actions, face the consequences and know that justice is going to be served and he will be found or she will be found,” Yepez said.
Ortiz’s family created a memorial at Fairfax Road and Paola Avenue, near Kern County Fire Station 42. They believe Ortiz was hit at Pictoria and dragged about a quarter of a mile to Paola.
Emails and calls to the California Highway Patrol were not returned on Monday. The investigation into Ortiz’s death was still pending.
Yepez described Ortiz as “joyful,” “happy” and “positive,” and said he was known for his gentleness in the eastside neighborhood.
Ortiz suffered brain injuries when he was 18 after he was attacked by multiple people with bats, according to his sister, Rocelia Ruiz. Ruiz said Ortiz was walking home from a family member’s house late Friday night.
“He just likes to dance, make everybody laugh and just have a good time,” Yepez said.
Yepez said Ortiz was going to celebrate his 36th birthday next month.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs. It had raised about $1,500 as of this afternoon toward an $8,000 goal.