The body of the New Britain teen who died last week after a hit-and-run will be laid to rest tomorrow.
Now, the family of Jackson DeJesus, 17, is demanding that the city of New Britain install speed bumps near the site of the fatal crash.
DeJesus was crossing North Street and Tremont Street last Monday when he was struck by a car. The driver didn’t stop and is still at large.
Witnesses said the driver was speeding.
New Britain police said the crash was in a school zone, where there’s a 25 miles per hour speed limit.
As police search for the person responsible for ending the teen’s life, the victim’s family and friends are gathering petitions to put speed bumps in the area.
“They have to put speed bumps. It’s not the first and last accident that happened there,” said Maria Playa, DeJesus’ aunt.
In the meantime, people who live near the scene of the fatal crash agreed that speed bumps are a good idea.
“There’s a lot of traffic going through here, and the way they drive … is bad for the kids,” Omar Ruiz said.
Others said it’s a dangerous street for pedestrians.
“Speed bumps should be put here on this street; there’s always cars racing up and down,” Gian Gonzalez said.
DeJesus’ family said they’ll do what it takes to make the area near North and Tremont streets, safer.
“We’re going to finish it. My sister’s not going to rest … until they put speed bumps in that street,” Playa said.
NBC Connecticut was told Jackson DeJesus’ relatives have gathered hundreds of signatures for the speed bump petition. They are expected to present the paperwork to the city council.
