Worker killed after Iran vs New Zealand match
Aaron Avery, a 22-year-old worker at SoFi Stadium, was tragically killed while walking home after the Iran vs New Zealand FIFA World Cup match on Monday. It was only his second day on the job. The incident occurred around 10:30 pm near Van Ness Avenue, where he was struck by a vehicle driven by a suspected drunk driver, according to his family.
Family speaks out
“This is a very devastating moment for my family,” his aunt Norma Quinn told CBS News. “He was my sister’s baby. It’s very devastating.” Avery’s family believes the driver was speeding and under the influence. “From what I was told, it was a strong possibility that speed played a part in it, and the guy was under the influence,” Quinn added.
Driver’s excuse disputed
The driver claimed he could not see Avery because it was nighttime and Avery was wearing all black. Avery’s sister, Monique Yates, rejected this excuse: “You say you didn’t see my brother walking because he had on all black. It don’t matter what color he had on. That can’t be an excuse on why you hit somebody.”
Injuries and organ donation
Avery was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and suffered a traumatic brain injury, according to a GoFundMe page. He was placed on life support and pronounced dead the next day. Avery donated his heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, which could potentially save up to 8 lives, as reported by ABC 7.
Financial strain and justice sought
The family faces significant end-of-life expenses, medical bills, and funeral costs. They have raised more than $5,000 via GoFundMe. The driver was arrested, and the family hopes he is held accountable. “I just hope my nephew gets justice,” Quinn told CBS.
