Golf course worker killed in hit-and-run
Ismael Hernandez, a golf course worker in San Leandro, Calif., has died after a hit-and-run driver rammed into his riding mower on a nearby street, California police reported.
“It makes me sick. It almost makes me rage,” John Jorgensen, golf course superintendent at Monarch Bay Golf Club, told The Sacramento Bee.
Hernandez died in the hospital on Wednesday, April 20, after being rear-ended by a stolen black Dodge Ram pickup truck on Monday, April 18, San Leandro police said in a news release.
Hernandez was returning a riding mower to the golf course maintenance yard via a bicycle lane. He is survived by three children and two grandchildren.
The driver of the pickup truck, who witnesses say had earlier been driving recklessly in the area, ran off after the crash, police said.
Police later arrested a passenger in the truck on a warrant, leading to the arrest of accused driver Jason McDermott, 43, of Oakland, the release said.
“It was so senseless for a man who’s so gentle. He never, ever, ever had a frown on his face,” Jorgensen said.
McDermott faces charges including negligent vehicular manslaughter, hit and run with injuries and other charges, police said. The golf course is mourning Hernandez’s death.
“My cousin started a GoFundMe to help cover taking his remains to Mexico. Any money left over will go towards a savings account for his children and grandchildren,” Felipe Hernandez, nephew of the victim, told Golfdom. “We appreciate the golf community so much for their generosity and kind words.”
Visit this website to donate to the Hernandez’s GoFundMe.
For the full report, visit The Sacramento Bee website.
Thank you for reporting on this tragic event. The victim was my uncle. He had worked for the same employer for 32 years! First in southern caifornia and then oakland. We was kind and such a hardworker. His children are raising funds on Go fund me. You can search for Ismael final wish.