Siblings remember father who was killed in City of Industry chase crash

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (KABC) -- Twins Sabrina and Erik Gonzalez said their father played a big role in shaping who they are today.

The pair lost their father when three suspects in a car chase slammed into him, killing him while he was driving home from the City of Industry.

"He very much emphasized conquering our fears and just being the best individuals we can be, contributing the most we could to society," Sabrina said. "He not only helped his own family, but went above and beyond to help strangers."

They described 66-year-old Rojelio Gonzalez, who went by Roy, as a hard-working, generous and reformed Christian.

They also said he emphasized education and inspired them to graduate from his alma mater, Cal State Long Beach. He also had an infectious love for the outdoors, which convinced Sabrina to finally start hiking.

Their father was returning home from visiting family in Indio Tuesday night when three suspected burglars crashed into his SUV during the chase. The news devastated his family.

"I just remember my heart beating real fast, trembling. It's just so surreal - a nightmare actually," Erik said.

The twins said his sudden death should never have happened and their father did not deserve to die like that.

"We just need to treasure all the moments that we have with our loved ones," Sabrina said.