A Tragic Loss for a Hard-Working Mexican Immigrant
Tragedy struck last week when Felix Mendez, a dedicated Mexican immigrant living on Lafayette Avenue, was killed in a heartless hit-and-run incident near a Brooklyn intersection. This devastating event eerily mirrored the death of Mendez’s father, who also fell victim to a hit-and-run accident in Mexico four decades ago.
The incident occurred at around 3 a.m. when Mendez was walking through the intersection of Lafayette and Bedford Avenue and was struck by a car that did not stop. The driver fled the scene, leaving Mendez gravely injured. He was rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in critical condition but sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Mendez’s friend and neighbor, Alejandro Flores, shared the heartbreaking story of how Mendez’s father met a similar fate in Mexico, leaving a lasting impact on Mendez from a young age. The news of Mendez’s tragic passing has deeply affected his family members, including his son Leonardo, who resides in California.
Despite the challenges, Mendez was determined to build a house in Puebla, Mexico, where he planned to eventually move back and become a pig farmer. He worked tirelessly to fund this dream, often sending money to support his son, causing delays in the construction process.
Known for his strong work ethic, Mendez dedicated long hours to his jobs at restaurants and maintained a rigorous fitness routine, even planning to run the New York City Marathon with Flores. The community is now rallying together to raise funds to send Mendez’s body back to Puebla for his final resting place.
As they navigate through this difficult time, Mendez’s family and friends honor his memory by cherishing the hard work and determination he exemplified throughout his life.
