Mother of 19-year-old killed in Venice crash begs hit-and-run driver to come forward
VENICE (FOX 13) - Roberta O'Bry is heartbroken. Her son, 19-year-old Zachary O’Bry was just starting his life out.
"He was so full of life and love," she told FOX 13. "He led by example and just wanted the best for everybody.”
Roberta remembers her first-born as a caring young man.
"He had a big thing for helping out homeless people. It's something he and I did together," she continued.
Just a few weeks ago he moved back to Venice and started a new job.
"He had such a future ahead of him and it's gone," she said.
Sunday night around 11:30 p.m., Zach crossed U.S. 41 at Short Drive in Venice. He was headed to a nearby store when a driver hit him and took off.
Zach was airlifted to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and died later that night.
Trooper Ken Watson said it won't be long until they find the vehicle involved. Based on debris left behind, they've narrowed it down to a maroon-colored SUV.
"The evidence that was left behind, I feel strongly that we are going to be able to narrow the field of vehicles down," said Trooper Watson.
"If I was the driver of that vehicle, my advice to them would be come forward. Do it now. Help yourself out and help the family of this grieving young man out. Do the right thing and come forward now," said Roberta Watson pleaded.
Zach's mom asks the driver to right their wrong and just come forward.
"I wish this person would have enough of a conscience or conviction to come forward,” she added. “We need closure to this.”
Zach's family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/obryfamily