The Miami police have identified Andrew Loretta, a 50-year-old man, as the fatal victim of a violent hit-and-run that occurred Tuesday night in the Shenandoah neighborhood. This heartbreaking incident unfolded just before 7:00 p.m. at the intersection of Southwest 21st Avenue and Southwest 18th Street. Loretta was struck by a speeding vehicle while jogging on the west side of the avenue.
The impact resulted in his immediate death and sent him flying several meters through the air, leaving the community shocked and reigniting calls for action against speeding in the area.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Surveillance cameras and witness videos captured the scene. According to the police, the driver of the vehicle, Andrés Roberto Fiallo Estupiñán, 36, was driving a Volkswagen Passat at high speeds heading south. The arrest report, as cited by CBS News Miami, states that the car struck Loretta "from behind... causing him to be airborne while severing both of his legs."
Loretta succumbed to the violent impact at the scene. Post-collision, Fiallo Estupiñán's vehicle crashed into an ice cream truck, injuring a woman inside, and continued to hit two parked cars. Investigators noted that the driver showed no signs of braking before the collision.
Courageous Bystanders Detain Suspect
Instead of stopping to offer assistance, Fiallo Estupiñán abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot through Shenandoah Park. However, he was swiftly intercepted by local residents. A video shared by local media shows several bystanders confronting the suspect and holding him until the police arrived.
"He entered the park and a group of people tackled and restrained him... until the police came," said Marcos Mere. The arrest report confirms that the suspect did not attempt to contact emergency services and was later identified through an expired driver's license. Fiallo Estupiñán was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital with minor injuries and faces charges for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and for causing serious bodily injury.
A Community Mourns a Beloved Member
Andrew Loretta was more than just a regular jogger in the area; he was a devoted husband and father to two teenagers, Lili and Lucas, aged 17 and 13. His wife, Michelle Loretta, shared a heartbreaking tribute on social media: "Andy Loretta, my husband and father of our children... passed away yesterday. He was hit by a car while running and died. He was only 50 years old," she wrote on Instagram.
She described him as "the epitome of a generous person, with a completely selfless heart and a beautiful soul." Family lawyer and friend, Raúl Chacón, stated to the media that the loss has been "tragic" and "a shock" to everyone who knew him, expressing confidence that the authorities will act decisively: "We trust that the authorities will do everything in their power to investigate this tragedy and ensure that the full weight of the law is applied," he said in statements to CBS News.
An online campaign has been launched to support the college education of the victim's children, who are now left economically vulnerable.
Neighborhood Demands for Improved Road Safety
This tragedy has only intensified the neighborhood's calls for increased road safety measures in Shenandoah. The area, home to a school, a park, and a library, has seen numerous incidents related to speeding.
"This street is incredibly reckless... I always take great care when crossing because I never know who might come speeding around the corner," warned local resident Carmen Peláez. Other voices were even more critical. Denise Gálvez, a mother living in the area, revealed that her son was playing nearby at the time of the accident. "My heart dropped... I couldn’t reach him," she stated. She also reported having requested roundabouts and safety measures near the park and school for years, to no avail. "Just today, I saw a red Corvette speeding by. We can’t wait for another tragedy to take action," said Rafael Barrios, a nearby school worker, in statements to Telemundo 51.
Questions on the Fatal Incident in Miami
What happened to Andrew Loretta in Miami?
Andrew Loretta was fatally struck by a speeding vehicle while jogging in Miami's Shenandoah neighborhood.
Who is the suspect in the hit-and-run case?
The suspect is Andrés Roberto Fiallo Estupiñán, who was driving a Volkswagen Passat at high speed.
How did the community respond to the incident?
Neighbors quickly apprehended the suspect after he attempted to flee on foot, holding him until police arrived.
What are the local calls for action following the tragedy?
Residents are urging for increased road safety measures, including roundabouts, to prevent future incidents.