Family Struggles To Make Sense Of Death Of Uncle In Burbank Accident

BURBANK (CBSLA.com) — Rowena Atienza is numb from the shock.

Her uncle, Rodolfo Tan, was hit and killed by a van on Friday night in downtown Burbank. The horrifying crash was captured on security camera.

Tan was walking when he was hit.

"It's not fair that he had to go so soon, and he had to go this way," Atienza said.

Tan was 52. He moved here a year ago from Baltimore to help care for his 92-year-old mother.

Tan was coming off his shift at a nearby Panda restaurant when the accident occurred.

The driver of the van was stabbed before the crash. He's in critical condition and police have not released any other details about how he ended up behind the wheel.

For Tan's family, they're struggling to move forward without the man who loved them so much. He just put presents under the Christmas tree.

"My uncle recently bought two Christmas gifts for my son," Atienza said. "He's very close to him, and I'm very sad that Oliver growing up won't know him because he's gone. I'll still make sure I show him his pictures."

The family says it now wants to lay Tan to rest, but because of the investigation, the funeral will likely be delayed.

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