Two elderly brothers were killed as they left the same place they’ve visited for breakfast for the last two decades.
Jose and Alfredo Linares, who were both in their mid-70s, left Miss Donuts in Los Angeles on Wednesday 9 November when they were hit by a car and killed. Their third brother Juan, who was with them at the time, narrowly missed being struck by the same vehicle.
He told ABC7: "For me they were the best. They will always be in my heart because we were always together. We worked together."
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Going to Miss Donuts was a weekly tradition for the three men, who ran a landscaping business.
On the day of the incident, the brothers were crossing the street to return to their vehicle at around 5.30am when the white Honda Civic smashed into them.
Following the crash, the car sustained severe damage to its front while inside the airbags were deployed.
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Sergio Linares, the victims’ nephew, told KABC: “They weren’t married, they had no kids, they lived together, and they took care of each other.
“They loved what they did, they didn’t want to retire yet, they should’ve been living their life.
“They're hard-working. They're over retirement age, but they believed ‘We're going to work until pretty much we can't no more’.”
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Authorities are investigating the incident, but Sergeant Hernandez of the Los Angeles Police Department said he doesn’t believe the driver was drunk or under the influence of drugs at the time. The driver, who has not been named, remained at the scene and was cooperating with the investigation.
He said: “There isn’t a crime at the moment. The driver was not driving under the influence. There’s nothing at this point that’s leading us to a criminal investigation.”
Their nephew has since set up a GoFundMe to help cover the funeral costs.
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He wrote: "Hi my name is Sergio Linares, Today November 9, 2022 our family suffered a tragic loss. My uncles Alfredo and Jose were run over and passed away on scene.
“With heavy hearts we ask for any help, as we need to give a proper burial for two uncles.
“This is a very hard time for our family as a big part was taken from us. Alfredo and Jose were kind at heart and we’re always willing to help anybody in any situation. Any donation will help and will be appreciated. Thank you.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: US News
Claire Reid