Octavio Espinal

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A 76-year-old man is fighting for his life after being struck by a car that fled the scene in Freeport, Nassau County police announced on Saturday, Nov. 8.

The crash happened around 1:50 p.m. as the man, identified by his family as Octavio Espinal, was crossing North Grove Street at the intersection of Brooklyn Avenue when he was hit by a light-colored sedan, detectives explained. The driver did not stop and continued southbound.

Espinal was transported by Northwell Health ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he remains on life support, according to a GoFundMe created by his daughter, Ivelisse Alberto, titled “Support Octavio Espinal’s Fight for Life.”

“My dad is a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather — the kind of man who has always worked hard to provide for his family and help anyone in need,” Alberto wrote. “He’s our rock, our protector, and our example of strength and love. Seeing him in this condition has broken our hearts, but we are holding on to faith and hope for his recovery.”

The fundraiser aims to help cover medical bills and family expenses as they remain by Espinal’s bedside. Click here to donate.

Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.