A bicyclist who was critically injured in a hit-and-run crash in Fort Lauderdale has died as a result of his injuries, Fort Lauderdale Police confirmed.
James Ortibez, 39, was riding his bicycle in the 900 block of Northwest 13th Street around 1:30 a.m. Saturday when a car traveling in the same direction struck him.
The left front bumper of the car made contact with Ortibez's bicycle, causing him to be ejected onto the road.
"The bicyclist was struck by the vehicle, airborne. Landed on the northside of the roadway," said Det. Tracy Figone with Fort Lauderdale Police.
The driver continued driving westbound without stopping to render aid or call police.
Ortibez was rushed to Broward Health Medical Center as a trauma alert. He died as a result of his injuries on Sunday evening.
Police are still searching for the driver who hit Ortibez. Police are searching for a 2009-2012 model 4-door gold Volkswagen CC, possibly with tinted windows.
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They said the driver will now face vehicular homicide charges.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.
Meanwhile, a small memorial has formed were Ortibez was killed. It contains a candle, flowers and a sign reading: "Hit and run victim. Please any info will help."
It was placed there by Lisa Scalone, who lives near where the crash happened. She didn't know Ortibez, but felt compelled to do something.
"It's happening too often. If something like that would happen to my family, I would like to think there are people out there who do genuinely care," Scalone said.
