Southern California man in coma after being struck by hit-and-run driver

Loved ones are devastated as a Southern California man remains on life support after being struck by a hit-and-run driver.

On June 7, Alex Olmedo II, 66, was on a work trip in Chicago when he decided to walk his friend’s dogs. 

Surveillance video captured the moment Olmedo was struck by the driver on the 100 block of South Michigan Avenue, in the Loop, just after 9:30 p.m. 

“One of the dogs was overly excited to get to the park that was on the other side of the street, so he began getting overly animated,” said his son, Alex Olmedo III.

As Olmedo chased after the dog, his son said, “He was struck by a vehicle. He was launched into the middle of the street.”

The collision had punctured both of Olmedo’s lungs and he was left with multiple broken bones. He was rushed to the hospital, where he remains on Thursday night. 

However, he is unable to breathe on his own and has been on life support for almost three weeks. The dogs escaped with only minimal injuries.

“He’s battling pneumonia right now,” his son said. “He’s completely in a coma. He’s not breathing on his own.”

Earlier this year, family members said Olmedo had been displaced by the deadly Palisades fire.

“He’s been living in hotels and with friends and family since the incident,” his son said.

Just last month, Olmedo had something to celebrate when he witnessed his son getting married and was surrounded by family. His loved ones said it’s a painful reminder that things can change in an instant.

“The family and myself are remaining hopeful, but it’s been really tough,” his son said.

As hospital bills pile up, his family is saving up their money while hoping Olmedo will pull through.

“Insurance will only help us so much, so we’re reaching out to our local communities and asking for help,” his son said.

A GoFundMe page to help Olmedo’s family with hospital bills can be found here.