Emotional Day As Family, Friends Honor DU Student Killed In Hit & Run
DENVER (CBS4)- It was an emotional day near the University of Denver campus as the Denver District Attorney gathered with friends and family to honor a man killed in a hit and run.
Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey helped unveil a "Please Drive Safely" sign to honor Masoud Bahramisharif who was killed when Andrew Simpson struck him near the University and Evans intersection May 31, 2012.
"This sign is a message to the driver and people walking in this intersection," said Morrissey.
Simpson was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Thursday for the hit and run after he failed to stop at the intersection. Simpson was convicted last month of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a deadly accident.
"Why did that person have to drive too fast? Why did he put his foot on the pedal and under the influence?" asked Masoud's father.
Masoud's family traveled to Denver from Iran for the sign unveiling ceremony. His mother was visiting the night of the deadly collision.
"She was waiting at his house waiting for him to come and unfortunately he never showed up," said Masoud's mother through an interpreter.
There are now 101 of the memorial signs dedicated to lives lost from reckless and intoxicated driver in Denver.
Morrissey said Masoud's case is unique in that it also involved a hit and run, "Hit and run happens far too often in the city. We're seeing more and more careless, reckless and intoxicated drivers that don't stay at the scene and render help to the people they hurt."
