Orange County Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accident Causes Fatality

Henry Franco Jr., 25, of Anaheim was killed in a Garden Grove pedestrian accident the morning of April 19, 2009, The Orange County Register reports. Franco was apparently found lying in the middle of a street in the 7300 block of Orangewood Avenue. Several vehicle parts were also found on the street. No witnesses to this pedestrian versus car crash have been located yet, Garden Grove police officials said. If you saw this car crash or have more information about it, please call Garden Grove police investigator Jason Perkins at 714-741-5823.

My heart goes out to the family of Henry Franco Jr. for their tragic loss. Here is a young man who was killed because of the negligence of an irresponsible driver. I offer my deepest sympathies to Franco’s family and friends. Please keep them in your prayers.

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System, there were 49 pedestrian accident related injuries in Garden Grove. In Orange County as a whole in 2007 there were 41 deaths and 726 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents.

The driver of the car, who struck and killed Henry Franco Jr. and then took off without identifying himself or herself or rendering aid, committed a despicable act and violated California law. The California Vehicle Code requires motorists to stop at the scene of a crash whether or not the accident was their fault. If a motorist was not at fault, but did not stop to help the injured victim or provide identification, he or she may still face criminal hit-and-run charges.

California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.” Hit-and-run is also a crime under California Penal Code Section 192.

I hope this driver is apprehended and brought to justice. Henry Franco’s family would be well-advised to consult experienced Orange County pedestrian accident attorneys to get more information about their legal rights and options. Families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim in such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is suspected. A wrongful death claim compensates victims’ families for medical/funeral expenses, loss of wages and other related expenses.

Henry's Aunt says:

December 31, 1969 at 6:00 pm

Thank you for your statement. We are extremely heartbroken and the person who did this is just aweful to leave my nephew in the street.

Matthew Costa says:

I am a life long friend of the Franco family. Henry is like a brother to me along with Steve, Vince, and Jaymes. I am asking for the public’s help in bringing forward any information about the individuals or individual responsible for Henry’s death. If you read this post please take into consideration that this great young man leaves behind his 2yr old daughter, brothers, GF, Mother, Father, and Friends. This tragedy still has not set in because I have been around them since I was a kid and just spent Easter with his family. In closing I hope Henry gets his justice. and I love you brother and I miss you. Please save a spot for me, Jaymes, Steve and Vince because we will all be toegether again. This is the hardest thing to swallow and deal with right now. My heart goes out to the Franco’s for the loss of their son. I will be their every step of the way. This is Matt Macias aka Matt-man, Doormat, or Max.

Shirlene Martin says:

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Henry’s family and friends. What a tragedy! The person who committed this horrible crime should come forward and turn themselves in. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.