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'She hurt us,' says family of driver in deadly hit-and-run at taco stand

Street vendors in Pomona hold fundraiser for father killed at taco stand
Street vendors in Pomona hold fundraiser for father killed at taco stand 01:48

The heartbroken family of Gilberto Cazares Payan, a man killed while waiting in line at a taco stand, is speaking out about their devastating loss. 

Payan was struck by a car that slammed into a crowd, killing him, and injuring 12 others near Dudley Street and Holt Avenue at around 7:45 p.m. Friday. 

The 53-year-old Payan had gone to get tacos for his family. He leaves behind his wife and four children. 

In Spanish, his grieving widow, Adis Morales, explained that Payan was supposed to come home to take their youngest to the park. Now, she doesn't know how to share that he won't ever be returning. 

Police say a 26-year-old woman from Pomona driving eastbound suddenly veered onto the opposite side of the road, crashing into a crowd of people, killing Payan and injuring a dozen people. 

After the crash, police say the driver fled on foot, but later surrendered. 

"These situations you are never prepared for," said Francisco Rivas, who is the godfather to Payan's children. He says the family is torn apart. 

"I don't know what that person was thinking," he said. "She hurt us. She hurt the family." 

Vendors in Pomona held a fundraiser at a popular taco stand Sunday night to help Payan's family in the aftermath of his tragic death. 

Hundreds of people showed up to buy tacos and support his wife and four children.

"I'm a resident of Pomona and when I heard about the tragedy that happened I wanted to get as many people as I could to come support so instead of having my birthday dinner I just decided to have all my friends come here instead so we can give as much money to the family that was affected," Marcella Alexandra Ornelas told CBSLA Reporter Laurie Perez. 

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