“Derek Holt was a Hemet Water Distribution Operator killed in a suspected DUI crash on Acacia Avenue near Kirby Street on December 5.

He was 40 years old, and a single father, according to the GoFundMe established in his name.

“Derek was a devoted single father, the sole provider for his beloved son. In this incredibly difficult time, all contributions will go directly to supporting Derek’s family, ensuring they have the assistance they need now and in the years ahead,” GoFundMe sponsor T. Holyoak wrote.

Thus far, the fundraiser has raised nearly $5,000 of the $50,000 they hope to attain for Holt’s son and family.

“Any help, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated as we come together to honor his memory and support his loved ones through this unimaginable hardship,” Holyoak wrote. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.”

To support the fundraiser, visit Derek Holt’s page at www.gofundme.com.

The post City Worker Killed In Hemet Crash Was Single Dad appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Noah Anthony Zapata, 27, was arrested and booked into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on Thursday on suspicion of driving under the influence resulting in great bodily injury.

Zapata allegedly killed 40-year-old Derek Holt of Hemet on Acacia Avenue, just west of Kirby Street, shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday, according to the California Highway Patrol and Hemet Police Department.

City of Hemet spokesman Alan Reyes alleged Zapata was in a compact car going westbound on Acacia and plowed straight into the municipal truck that Holt had parked at the intersection.

Paramedics and patrol officers arrived within a few minutes and attempted life-saving measures on the victim, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, Reyes said.

He said that patrolmen detained Zapata and held him for CHP officers, who took over the investigation because it involved a municipal vehicle.

Further investigation confirmed the suspect allegedly had been driving under the influence. He was taken into custody without incident.

Background information on Zapata was unavailable.

The post Menifee Suspected DUI Driver Held On $50K Bail In Fatal Hemet Crash appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The Riverside County Coroner’s Office identified Derek Holt, 40, of Hemet, as the victim killed in the deadly incident.

Shortly before 8 a.m., emergency officials arrived at the crash scene on Acacia Avenue just west of Kirby Street in Hemet, where a passenger vehicle had collided with a City of Hemet Public Works utility truck. Holt, a city employee, was struck while outside of his vehicle, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Jonathan Torres. He was found unresponsive at the scene as a result of the crash.

“Officers immediately began providing first aid, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on the scene,” Torres said.

CHP assumed the investigation and arrested the driver—who remained at the scene—on suspicion of DUIs. The driver was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, awaiting formal charges, according to Torres.

During the incident, officers closed a section of Acacia Avenue, both east and westbound, between S. Sanderson Avenue and Kirby Street, which remained closed much of the day.

No further information was immediately available.

The post City Worker ID’d As Victim Of Hemet Crash, Suspected DUI Driver Arrest appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.