Tragic NYC Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Hard-Working Immigrant, Echoing Father’s Death!
A tragic hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn last week took the life of Felix Mendez, a hard-working immigrant from Mexico. Felix, 49, was crossing the intersection of Lafayette and Bedford Avenue at around 3 a.m. when a car hit him.
Instead of stopping to help, the driver sped away, leaving Felix severely injured on the street. He was rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he later passed away from his injuries.
This tragic event mirrors a heartbreaking moment from Felix’s past. Over 40 years ago, when Felix was just 8 years old, his father was also killed in a hit-and-run incident back in Mexico.
Alejandro Flores, a close friend of Felix, recalled how Felix never forgot that painful memory of losing his father in such a senseless way. It seems especially cruel that Felix would meet the same fate, leaving behind a family devastated by the parallel tragedies.
Felix’s family, both in the U.S. and in Mexico, is grieving his loss. Francisco Mendez, Felix’s 40-year-old nephew, shared that Felix’s son, Leonardo, who lives in California, was heartbroken upon hearing the news.
At just 22, Leonardo had a close bond with his father, and the two never went more than a couple of weeks without talking.
Francisco described Leonardo’s reaction as overwhelming, unable to even speak through his tears.
Felix had lived in New York for over twenty years, having come to the U.S. in 1999 to seek a better life. He worked tirelessly at two restaurant jobs to support his family and his dream of building a home in Puebla, Mexico.
His close friend Alejandro, who worked with Felix in a restaurant on Broad Street, admired Felix’s work ethic and dedication. Felix had been slowly constructing his home in Mexico for the past three years, planning to eventually return to his home country and become a pig farmer.
Despite his busy work schedule, Felix always made time to stay in shape. Even after long, late nights working in the restaurants, he would wake up early to run on the track nearby.
Felix and Alejandro often talked about running the New York City Marathon together one day. Every year, they’d watch the marathon runners pass by their neighborhood and promise each other they’d do it too—though their demanding jobs kept them from training.
Now, with Felix gone, his family faces the difficult task of bringing his body back to Mexico. Francisco explained how they are struggling to raise the necessary funds, relying on small donations from friends and acquaintances. They’re gathering contributions as they can, but it’s a slow and challenging process.
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Felix Mendez’s death has left a void in the lives of his friends, family, and all who knew him. His story is one of hard work, sacrifice, and an enduring love for his family.
Now, in the aftermath of his passing, his loved ones are left to grapple with the unfairness of his fate and the painful memories of the past, hoping to honor him by bringing him home one last time.