A family celebration turned to anguish in Melbourne, Florida, after a 23-year-old man was fatally struck in a hit-and-run accident early Christmas morning.
Andrew ‘Drew’ Sofranko, a Pennsylvania native, had just fulfilled his role as best man at his father’s wedding two days earlier.
According to Melbourne Police, Sofranko was crossing a street when a white four-door Chevrolet vehicle hit him and fled the scene. Douglas Sofranko, Drew’s father, recounted the heart-wrenching details to new media, stating that his son likely died immediately upon impact and did not have a pulse when paramedics arrived.
Drew Sofranko, in a moment of celebration and family bonding, gave a touching speech at his father’s wedding, expressing his joy and admiration for his father.
The tragedy has left the family in profound grief, with Douglas Sofranko describing the incident as an “absolute nightmare.” The family, now in mourning, hopes for justice for Drew, urging anyone with information about the white Chevrolet to contact the Melbourne Police Department.
Drew had future aspirations to serve his country. He planned to enlist in the United States Navy in 2024, aiming to join the Nuclear Field program. His ambitions and potential underscore the depth of the loss felt by his family and community.
The Melbourne Police Department has opened a homicide investigation into the incident, seeking any leads that might help in identifying the driver responsible for this tragedy. No arrests have been made, and the investigation into whether alcohol or drugs were involved is ongoing.
In support of the family, a GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral expenses, highlighting the community’s effort to rally around the Sofranko family during this difficult time.
