Family of Hit and Run Victim Hold Vigil
A community gathers to support the family of a hit-and-run victim who died.
Dozens gathered at the intersection of North and Tremont Streets in New Britain for a vigil in honor of Jackson DeJesus who was struck and killed by a car just days ago. The family also collected donations to help cover the costs of the funeral.
Family and friends of Jackson DeJesus, 17, gathered today for a vigil, and to ask the community for support.
DeJesus was struck by a car Monday while he was crossing North St. in New Britain at around 10 p.m.
The driver didn’t stop. He was in critical condition as of Tuesday night. On Wednesday, Hartford Hospital officials said DeJesus had died.
His mother said she’s reeling from what happened.
“He just went for one walk and never came home,” said Barbara Playa.
Meantime, DeJesus’s family said they need to raise $6,000 for funeral expenses. That’s partly why they gathered Friday on North St. and Tremont St., to sell food, t-shirts, and other items to raise funds.
“It hurts because he was a loving child. He was outgoing,” said Krystal Rios.
Some of DeJesus’s classmates were also there. He was a student at New Britain High School. Haley Irwin said it’s a shame the teen’s life was cut short. She said DeJesus wanted to study fashion.
“ He was just always there for us…always had a smile on his face…he was just a great person. He was going to go places. He was going to get out of New Britain,” said Irwin.
Meantime, while Playa continues to fundraise for her son’s funeral, she said she’s restless, and wants to know who’s responsible for her son’s death.
“I haven’t heard from the detective. I haven’t heard from nobody…I just need this guy off the streets,” added Playa.
Jackson DeJesus’s funeral will be held Tuesday in Hartford.
New Britain police said there are no updates on the case. They are searching for a light-colored, possibly older model Nissan Altima, with damage on its right side.
Anyone with information is urged to call the New Britain Traffic Division at (860) 826-3013.
If you’d like to help DeJesus’s family with funeral expenses, an account has been set up at the TD Bank under “Memorial Fund for Jackson DeJesus.”
