Authorities in Port Richmond have formally charged a 39-year-old DUI suspect, in relation to the death of a mother, who police say died saving her two children when the man’s SUV veered out of control on Saturday night.
Ryan McHugh, of the 4700 block of St. Dennis Drive in Philadelphia, has been charged with 2 counts of homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault while driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter as well as causing an accident involving death.
The family is building a memorial for the 28-year-old, Rosa Lydia Rojas, near Aramingo Avenue and Tioga Street, where she was struck.
Police say that Rosa and her two kids, 11-year-old daughter Leani and 9-year-old son Jadiyn, were standing along the road after getting food when McHugh’s SUV jumped the curb and moved into their direction.
Investigators said that the mother managed to push her daughter out of the way. Rosa shielded her 9-year-old boy, however they were both hit.
The SUV driver reportedly took down a pole before hitting the mother and son.
Rosa was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Rojas’ father shared his memory of his last moments with his daughter.
“The last time I spoke to her was two days ago. I should have told her how much I love her, but I didn’t,” Eugenio Rojas told ABC7’s sister station WPVI-TV on Sunday.
“I’ve got to bury a kid knowing that it’s not supposed to be like that. It’s supposed to be my kids burying me and that hurts,” Rojas said. “I wish I could bring my daughter back. I know I can’t.”
Jadiyn was taken to St. Christopher’s Hospital and is in critical but stable condition.
“He had a broken leg, broken arm. He got blood through his brain,” Eugenio Rojas said.
McHugh was held by witnesses at the scene before he was arrested by police officers. He is being held on more than a half million dollars bail.
“I hope he rots in jail,” said Eugenio Rojas. He says he wants his grandson Jaydin to know everyone loves him and is pulling for him as he recovers in the hospital.
“My grandkids know how much grandpop loves them. I’ve got 12 grandkids and they know how much grandpop loves them. My grandkids mean the world to me,” Eugenio Rojas said.
The family is pleading for anyone thinking about driving under the influence to make a different choice. They don’t want other families to have to go through the pain of losing a loved one.