Francisco Hernandez - a Victim of Alleged Drunk Driving in San Jose, California

Francisco Hernandez, age 40, died on February 22, 2015, at a hospital in San Jose, California. 

Francisco and his wife were a husband and wife team who ran a street vending cart selling fruit. 

Francisco Hernandez (L); Marco Chamale (R)

On February 21, 2015, at about 1:45 p.m., Francisco and his wife were working at their job on the street.  A car struck another vehicle, jumped the curb and then struck the vendors.  The driver drove on crashing into fences and then a parked car. 

Francisco and his wife were rushed to a local hospital where tragically he passed away the next day.  His wife was injured but survived the collision. 

Marco Chamale, age 25, of San Jose, was arrested. He may be charged with impaired driving, vehicular manslaughter and hit and run. 

Saint Jude, pray for
Francisco and for those
who have lost him

The miracle in this tragedy is that there was not the normal line-up at the fruit stand.  Often families with kids lined up as customers.  If they had done so at the moment of the collision, many more people would have been either killed or injured. 

Advice To All Drivers: If you find that you are wasted, drunk or doped up on street drugs or prescription drugs or if you are falling asleep on your feet, do NOT drive. Call a family member or a friend for a ride; or take a taxi; or stay where you are until you sober up; or crawl home on your hands and knees. It will be better for you and for the world if you do.

Regret can last a lifetime. 

Friends and customers describe Francisco as a tireless street vendor who had a smile for everyone. He was upbeat and friendly.  His fruit was the best for miles around.  He and his wife are described as happy, hardworking, nice people trying to make an honest living. 

Francisco will be forever remembered.

Francisco's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He was a good man who did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Francisco is survived by many loving friends and family members including his wife and his three children.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray for justice for Francisco.

Pray for all who go to work and who die there.

God save us from the drunk and the doped up drivers. They are killing us, Father.

Pray that Francisco is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.