Family speaks after the death of Jorge Vazquez Topete, Lyft driver who was killed in a crash in Salinas

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV)- The family of a Lyft driver that was killed in a crash on North Sanborn Rd and Freedom Parkway in Salinas said they remember the night their father was killed on Sunday night.

"There was a car accident right next to my house, right next to the apartments where I live," said Jorge Vazquez, son of the victim. "I was all like, damn and who's that? So, I take a detour and I realized that was my dad."

Jorge Vazquez and his brother were driving through Salinas last Sunday night, and they never thought they would encounter their father's death.

"The officer straight up just told he didn't make it and i couldn't believe it," said Vazquez. "I couldn't believe my dad was gone."

Their father identified as Jorge Vazquez Topete was a Lyft and Uber driver.

He was giving someone a ride on the night of the Super Bowl.

Jorge said a witness saw how the whole crash played out.

"She said that my dad was following the rules that it was green when my dad was passing through, and it was actually a driver speeding and he passed a red light and hit my dad." said Vazquez.

Salinas police said the suspect, 27-year-old Juan Manuel Gonzalez ran away from the scene after the crash.

Gonzalez was arrested Monday morning and charged with vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run.

Uber sent a statement to KION regarding the crash.

“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this incredibly tragic time. We’re continuing to look into this, and are standing by to assist police in their investigation."

An Uber spokesperson told KION

The victim son said he's living a nightmare and can't grasp everything that has happened.

"He would always support me and the crazy ideas I had." said Vazquez.

Vazquez Topete leaves behind two kids and his wife.

Vazquez Topete's family said that his 54th birthday was going to be in April.