Expectant Father Killed in Hit-and-Run While Walking Home From Extra Shift
A 20-year-old man was fatally struck by a garbage truck in Salt Lake City, leaving his pregnant wife and unborn child without support.
A 20-year-old expectant father, identified as Juan Matthias Ottoniel, known to friends as Oto Morales, was killed Wednesday night in a hit-and-run incident in Salt Lake City, Utah. Morales was walking home from an extra shift he had picked up at his job to help provide for his pregnant wife.
Salt Lake City police discovered Morales minutes after the collision, which occurred near Main Street and 400 South. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The driver of the garbage truck did not stop at the scene.
Authorities have since identified the driver of the truck through surveillance footage, and the individual is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, according to reports.
Morales was employed at White Horse Spirits & Kitchen. His coworker, Matt Crandall, told KSL that Morales was a dedicated family man who was eagerly anticipating the birth of his child. "He just wanted to work hard and provide for them," Crandall said.
Morales' mother-in-law, Candelaria Domingo, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist his wife and their upcoming child with financial support during this difficult time. The GoFundMe page states, "He and his wife were preparing to welcome their new baby into the world, a time that should be filled with hope and joy. Instead, Oto’s family is now navigating the unimaginable reality of facing the future without him."
White Horse Spirits & Kitchen announced that all proceeds from the evening of the following Friday would be donated to Morales' family. The restaurant had closed on Thursday to allow staff time to grieve the loss of their colleague.
"Salt Lake's been great showing up," Crandall remarked to KSL, expressing gratitude for community support. "I'm sure tonight's going to be a great night for us to be able to all come together and have a good time and do something that's going to impact his wife and his baby and help them in a tough time."
Police have not yet released further details regarding the incident or any potential charges against the driver.