Jurupa Valley aspiring minister mourned after fatal hit-and-run

MIRA LOMA, Calif. (KABC) -- Friends and family are mourning a 22-year-old Jurupa Valley man who was killed by a hit-and-run driver while bicycling on his way to minister to day laborers on Tuesday.

Around 2 a.m. Tuesday, Forrest Holmes was riding his bicycle when he was struck from behind by a vehicle on Limonite Avenue, less than a half-mile west of Lucretia Avenue, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The driver fled the scene, but other drivers stopped to comfort him at the scene.

His family says Holmes had woken up early to minister to workers at a local Home Depot.

Holmes enjoyed talking to people about his faith and he gave his first sermon last week at a retreat. He hoped to become a minister one day.

"He had this desire in his heart to just do it," said Pastor Ruben Solis with Calvary Chapel. "He felt like the Lord said go and minister. He jumped on his bike and he went to go minister that night."

Forrest Holmes' mother takes some comfort in knowing her son was doing what he loved when he died.

"I can't be angry," said his mother, Patty Holmes. "I'm hurt. I miss him."

Now a ghost bike, flowers and a cross in Holmes' favorite color, green, are on display along Limonite Avenue.

The community is gathering Friday evening at Calvary Chapel in Jurupa Valley to hold a taco fundraiser to help the family with funeral expenses. A GoFundMe page has also been set up.

Investigators ask anyone who saw something to call the Riverside County Sheriff's Office at (951)955-2600.