(PatriotNews.net) – A tragic hit-and-run crash in Pennsylvania has left a community mourning the loss of a young musician, and the man responsible is an illegal immigrant who had already been deported once before.
Saul Rivera-Ramirez, 25, was driving a red Ford Taurus on Saturday night when he struck a motorcycle and fled the scene on foot, leaving behind the wreckage and a family in grief. The crash happened just before 11 p.m., and it claimed the life of 23-year-old Christian Sluka, a local musician beloved by many.
Rivera-Ramirez was arrested and is now facing several charges, including homicide by vehicle and driving without a license. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that he is in the country illegally and had been deported previously, only to return unlawfully. ICE has placed an immigration detainer on him, but it’s unclear if the local jail will cooperate due to current policies that don’t always honor these detainers.
The Allegheny County Police Department confirmed that Rivera-Ramirez was taken into custody shortly after the crash. He had been fleeing the scene with a woman and a small child when officers tracked him down.
The victim, Christian Sluka, was more than just another name in a tragic accident report. He was a talented bass player for the band Osprey, and his death has sent shockwaves through his community. Friends, family, and fellow musicians have been paying tribute to him online, with many sharing memories of his warmth and generosity. His family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses, and tributes have poured in from those who knew and loved him.
A post from Gold Mountain Music described Christian as a core part of their community, someone who was always either performing or supporting his friends and family with a smile on his face. He leaves behind a grieving family, who say they will never be the same without him.
Copyright 2024, PatriotNews.net
