ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Friends, family and coworkers are mourning the loss of Rigoberto “Rigo” Hernandez, a 29-year-old husband and father of three who was killed in a suspected deliberate hit-and-run Friday night in Allentown.
Hernandez, a permanent legal resident who immigrated to the United States to build a safer future for his family, died after being struck on the 2400 block of South 4th Street, according to Allentown police. Authorities are searching for a white, cab-over-style box truck seen in the area immediately after the impact. The vehicle may have front-end damage, police said. No license plate information has been released.
Investigators are asking anyone with information or neighborhood video footage to contact the department as the search for the driver continues.
Hernandez leaves behind his wife of 10 years, Meicy, and their three children, ages 11, 7 and 3. He is also survived by his parents, brothers and sisters.
Loved ones said he embodied the spirit of the American dream. He had been working toward U.S. citizenship and was devoted to providing for his family and contributing to his community. For nearly a decade, he worked for East Coast Facilities, most recently as a field supervisor with the company’s Allentown-based Fleet and Logistics group.
His employer described him as a cherished member of the team whose dedication and warmth made a lasting impression.
Hernandez’s family is facing grief and sudden financial hardship, including funeral expenses and day-to-day costs. A fundraiser has been launched by East Coast Facilities’ CEO Joshua Gamez — who was a close friend — to support Meicy and their children. It has raised more than $50,000.
“Any contribution — no matter the amount — will make a meaningful difference and remind this grieving family that they are not alone,” Gamez said in the fundraiser statement.
All contributions will be managed and distributed by East Coast Facilities to cover funeral, burial and hospitality expenses. Any remaining funds will be transferred to Hernandez’s wife.
Anyone with information on the hit-and-run is urged to contact Allentown police.
Isabel Hope is a journalist and website designer based in Bethlehem, PA. She graduated with a degree in journalism from The University of Alabama in 2022, where she served as News Editor of the student newspaper. Isabel has lived in the Lehigh Valley for three years and is passionate about reporting for the communities she now calls home.