20-Year-Old Hemet Man Fatally Injured in Skateboard Accident, David Andrew Durbin in Police Custody
HEMET, CA (March 28, 2018) – A 20-year-old new father was tragically killed in a skateboard and car collision on Florida Avenue, Wednesday night.
Juan Manuel Cuevas of Hemet was crossing Florida Avenue near Girard Street on his skateboard just before 12:00 AM, when he was struck by a Pontiac Grand Am driven by 33-year-old David Andrew Durbin of Menifee. According to Cuevas’ family, he was on his way home from visiting his newborn son.
It was reported that Durbin did not slow down and continued to drive east on Florida Avenue, leaving the victim to die in the roadway.
Witnesses tried to help Cuevas, with one performing CPR until officers arrived, but Cuevas succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s wrecked skateboard and other personal items were scattered in the roadway after the collision, as well as broken glass from one of Durbin’s shattered headlights. All items were later collected as evidence.
On Easter Sunday, April 1st, Durbin turned himself in to authorities four days after the fatal accident, according to Hemet Police Sgt Dan Reinbolt. Investigators who interviewed Durbin about the deadly hit-and-run learned that he was urged by his roommates to surrender to the police. Officials located Durbin’s damaged Pontiac and confiscated it as evidence.
Based on Durbin’s admission, investigators arrested him and he was booked into Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on suspicion of hit and run resulting in death. He remains in custody with a $75,000 bail.
A GoFundMe was set up to help Cuevas’ family with burial expenses. Click on the link to donate.
We at Sweet Law Group offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jose Manuel Cuevas.
If a loved one was wrongfully killed on the road in a hit-and-run collision, contact the wrongful death lawyers at Sweet Law Group. We have over 40 years of experience on the field, and know what it takes to win your case and achieve the justice and compensations that you deserve. Call our offices at (800) 203-3061 for a free consultation with a professional in your area. We can also be contacted 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week by email, online chat, and text message.
