Beloved Music Teacher In Fight For His Life After Brazen Hit-And-Run
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — A beloved high school music teacher is fighting for his life after a brazen hit-and-run in Santa Ana.
Christopher Chavez, a drumline instructor at Saddleback High School, had surgery Thursday to relieve pressure in his brain.
The 26-year-old's father says he's had five strokes thus far since being struck Wednesday.
"It's a 50/50 chance right now whether he pulls through. We'll know in the next 24 hours," said his father. "It's hard. It's really been hard."
Officials say the unidentified female driver ran a red light and mowed down Chavez, who was in the crosswalk headed to a Denny's restaurant.
After the crash, the suspected driver got out of her vehicle before driving off, authorities said.
"That she got out and looked at his body lying there and left is absolutely heartbreaking," Chavez's sister said.
Police say they have a photograph taken by a witness of the suspected driver, as well as grainy video from the moment of impact.
"I think if they caught the lady today I don't know if it would change anything. You know, I just want my son," his dad said.
For the second day, students and family were by his side.
The kids at Saddleback High School love how much he cares and his family says the same.
In the hospital it was Chavez who worried about them. Through his pain, multiple broken bones and injuries, he managed to give them a thumbs-up.
The next few days for Chavez are crucial.
Police described the getaway car as an older black BMW 5 Series with paper plates. It likely has damage to the front-end of the windshield.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Chavez's family with his medical expenses. Click here for more information.
