Crime & Safety
Worcester Councilor's Son Dies In Oklahoma Pedestrian Collision
Zacarias Ortiz Hernandez, 24, died while walking along a road near Guymon, Okla.
WORCESTER, MA — Worcester District 4 City Councilor Sarai Rivera's son died on Christmas after he was hit by a semitrailer while walking along a road in the Oklahoma panhandle, the Councilor confirmed in a Facebook post on Monday.
Zacarias Ortiz Hernandez, 24, was walking along Highway 412 near Guymon, Okla., just after noon on Christmas when he was hit. Hernandez may have intentionally stepped in front of the semi, the Guymon Daily Herald newspaper and other Oklahoma media outlets reported.
In a Facebook post Monday, Rivera said her son was the "victim of a pedestrian road accident," and that he was visiting family in Oklahoma for the holidays.
"Thank you for the prayers and love our family has already received from those that knew Zack. We are grateful for your continued care, blessings, and support, during this difficult time," Rivera said in the post. "Although this tragedy has brought our family immense grief and deep pain, your support has vitalized us during even the most surreal of days."
Rivera said the family will hold a memorial later in the winter due to the pandemic.
