WHITTIER, Calif. (KNX) – In the early hours of Nov. 26, 18-year-old Garrett Hayward was on his way to pick up his girlfriend for Black Friday shopping.
"We knew he was gonna go out shopping, Christmas shopping, but didn't realize he was gonna leave at 5:30 in the morning," Damon Hayward, Garrett’s father, told ABC 7.
Hayward’s family is left mourning their beloved son.
When Hayward entered the intersection of Lambert and Colima Road, another driver according to California Highway Patrol, struck him. The crash caused Hayward’s car to catch fire and trap the 18-year-old inside. He was later pronounced dead.
"The last image I saw of him was like a shadow and then he left and then just minutes later, right by the house, he perished," Joanne Hayward, his mother, recalled to ABC 7.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Darrell Jewett, was arrested and booked on vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run causing serious injury or death and suspicion of driving under the influence.
Officials said Jewett ran away from the scene but was caught by a Whittier police officer. He was taken to the hospital for injuries he received from the crash prior to being booked, the Whittier Daily News reported.
A court date for Jewett for this case has been set for Dec. 2.
A GoFundMe for Hayward’s family has been established. Over $29,000 has been raised so far.
Related
