A retired Dallas firefighter has died days after he was struck while riding his motorcycle by a man who police said had been drinking.
Charlie Contreras, 60, died Wednesday at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. He had been critically injured early Sunday when his motorcycle was hit by a pickup truck near Samuel Boulevard and East Grand Avenue.
Contreras spent most of his career at Station 17 and retired from Dallas Fire-Rescue four years ago.
Several family members rushed inside the hospital Wednesday after hearing the retired firefighter didn’t make it.
“God needs him up there more than he needs him down here, so he’s with him now,” said his son, Charlie Contreras Jr.
Other bikers and fellow firefighters continue to comfort his family. Retired firefighters are now raising money to help the family.
“I can’t even put into words the loss that we feel for Charlie, and it's just a tragedy,” said Dallas Fire-Rescue Lt. Cristian Hinojosa.
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“We were saddened to learn of Charlie's passing, and his entire family is in the thoughts and prayers of the department," said Jason Evans, spokesman for Dallas Fire-Rescue.
Police said the driver of the truck that hit Charlie Contreras, 20-year-old Juan Diaz Lizama, drove away and was later arrested outside his home after a witness provided a description of the truck and the license plate number. Lizama faces several charges, including intoxication assault with a vehicle.
“I’m begging God for me to find forgiveness in my heart for this person,” said Charlie Contreras Jr. “Just the fact that he left him there for dead, that really angers me.”
A 37-year-old female passenger who was riding with Charlie Contreras on the motorcycle remains in the hospital.
