An Allentown man had an “altercation” with a delivery van driver before he was fatally hit by the vehicle last Friday in the city, according to authorities.
Rigoberto Hernandez Arias, 29, of Allentown was hit by the vehicle about 8 p.m. in the 2400 block of South Fourth Street, officials have said. He died from his injuries about 30 minutes later at a nearby hospital.
Hernandez Arias and the delivery van driver had gotten into an argument, and Hernandez Arias got out of his vehicle to confront the driver, according to Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan. Hernandez Arias was then hit by the vehicle, the DA said.
It does not appear the two knew each other before the incident, according to Holihan. No charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.
Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio determined Hernandez Arias’ death was caused by blunt-force injuries, with the manner homicide.
Hernandez Arias, who immigrated to the United States, was a father of three and was working to become an American citizen, according to a GoFundMe campaign created to raise money for his funeral expenses and his family. He worked at East Coast Facilities, which provides maintenance services for clients’ owned or managed locations, according to the company’s website.
Friends wrote in the GoFundMe that Hernandez Arias “embodied the American Dream” and was “deeply committed” to providing for his family and contributing to his community.
As of Tuesday, about $44,000 of the $50,000 goal has been raised. Those who wish to donate may do so at gofund.me/a3e43a2c4.