Father killed on way home from work by suspected drunk driver
A 30-year-old father was riding his motorcycle home from work in the East Bay when he was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver. His family is speaking out about their devastating loss. He leaves behind a loving family, including a 4-year-old son.
ORINDA, California. – The family of a motorcyclist killed by a suspected drunk driver spoke about their loss, shared their dismay and warned against driving under the influence of alcohol.
The victim, 30-year-old Marcos Amaral, worked two jobs to raise his four-year-old son.
The family wants the alleged drunk driver to be held accountable.
“He’s still been talking to me every day, or almost every day, via video chat, and that’s going to be really hard to get used to,” said his mother, Michelle Amaral.
“You just think you have so much time. I never thought this would happen,” said Emily Armstrong, the mother of Marcos’ son.
On August 10, just a few minutes after midnight, Amaral was riding his motorcycle, according to his family.
He had just finished work as a bartender at the Benihana restaurant in Concord.
He was on Highway 24 near Orinda, east of the St. Stephens exit, heading toward San Francisco, where he lived.
The driver of a black BMW SUV collided with Amaral, the California Highway Patrol said. Amaral died at the scene of the accident, but the driver was uninjured.
According to the CHP, the BMW driver was under the influence and was arrested.
“He ruined his life. He ruined our lives, many lives,” said Michelle Amaral.
Michelle Amaral said she was able to save her son’s gloves from the scene of the accident.
“I couldn’t even see him to say goodbye because he was on the highway and got hit by five other cars,” she said.
The family said there was no reason to drive under the influence of alcohol.
“I have my sad moments, but mostly I’m angry,” Armstrong said.
Family members said Amaral was focused on raising his son.
He also worked as a trainer in a rehabilitation center.
His goal was to become a physiotherapist.
“Whenever we needed something, Marcos was always there,” Armstrong said. “Honestly, I wish I was at the point where I could forgive, but I’m not. It’s so pointless.”
The family plans to hold a memorial service for Marcos on Wednesday.
CHP said the accident is still under investigation.
They ask witnesses or people who have information to contact them.
To help with the expenses, the family started an online fundraiser.
Amber Lee is a reporter at KTVU. Email Amber at [email protected] or text/message her at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU
