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Family and friends gather in Port Richmond to remember mom killed when driver jumped a curb

Published  June 10, 2018 10:26pm EDT
US
FOX 29 Philadelphia

PORT RICHMOND (WTXF) - Family and friends gathered Sunday evening to remember a mother killed when a driver jumped a curb.

The 27-year-old was walking with her son on the sidewalk in Port Richmond exactly one year ago.

Whenever a loved one is lost, giant waves of emotion and grief still catch people. Such was the case Sunday evening, at the one-year anniversary vigil for Rosa Linda Rojas.

This was no block party, no pre-summer celebration here, on Aramingo Avenue.

"She is truly missed. Every day is a struggle living without her," Rosita Belen, the victim's mother, said.

A year ago, unthinkable horror. A mother, 27-year-old Rosa Linda Rojas, was mowed down by an SUV that had jumped the curb. She pushed her daughter out of the way. She and her son, Jaden, were hit. Jaden was injured, but survived.

The driver was charged with DUI and vehicular homicide.

It's one year later and the pain is still fresh.

"I love you Mommy, we miss you," Jaden said.

Family members organized the vigil, once again, bringing flowers, stuffed animals and photos of Rosa Linda, calling her a hero.

"I know she's up there in heaven, but she got to save both of my grandkids," said Eugenio Rojas, Rosa Linda's father.

"It's really hard to have a summer without my mom," cried Leani, Rosa Linda's daughter.

As the victim's family tries desperately to find peace, they say they also want to make a statement about drinking and driving and the irreversible consequences.

"If you're going to do what you're going to do, park it somewhere and keep it to yourself because you know this person took our daughter, a mother, a sister, an aunt," said Rosita.

"Drinking and driving don't make no sense. Keep that to yourself. Stay in a bar. They got Uber, everything. She should be here with us, you know what I mean?" said Eugenio.

The family has closely followed the criminal case of the driver, 39-year-old Ryan McHugh of Torresdale. Rojas tells FOX 29 McHugh pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing by a judge.