Family grieving father killed in Newhall hit-and-run

NEWHALL, Calif. (KABC) -- A family is grieving the loss of their father after a deadly hit-and-run crash Sunday night in Newhall.

Mariano Sanchez, 51, was struck while crossing Newhall Avenue near Sierra Highway a short distance from the mobile home park where he lived with his children.

"It's not right, it's not right at all," said Nataly Sanchez, his daughter.

Surveillance video captured the suspect vehicle, identified by the sheriff's department as a Ford Expedition with damage to its front passenger side. Investigators believe the driver tapped the brakes, but did not stop after hitting Sanchez.

Officials with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department urged the driver to come forward.

"Let us know your side of the story," said Sgt. Scott Shoemaker. "There's obviously a family grieving right now for the loss of their loved one. It helps give them some closure."

Sanchez worked three jobs, including making pizzas at Vincenzo's in Newhall for the past 26 years.

"It's a shame he had to die that way," said pizzeria manager Maria Avila. "There's a lot of grief out here for us. We lost a good guy."

A memorial of flowers has been set up near where Sanchez was killed. A fundraiser for the family is scheduled for Sunday at 11 a.m. in Newhall Park.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to support the family.