SAN ANTONIO — A hit-and-run on the southwest side nearly claimed the life of a teenager.
All 15-year-old Samuel Fernandez can remember is walking down the road, then waking up in the hospital.
It happened Tuesday, Oct. 8 off Old Pearsall road near 410 — feet away from the exit gates to Trader's Village.
Investigators are still searching for the driver.
What could make the difference in this case is the witness.
When Samuel got hit, his best friend was walking next to him. He was able to get a description of the car.
Johnny Fernandez can only imagine the pain his nephew Samuel is suffering.
"He's being strong, he's trying to stay positive," said Fernandez. "He's been in three or four surgeries and he has two or three more he has to go through."
October 8, around 9:30 at night, Samuel and his best friend walked down Old Pearsall Road to a convenience store.
"He does [the walk] a few times a week," Fernandez explained. "They always walk on the grass to avoid traffic because people do speed."
Samuel walked while sitting on top of his dirt bike. As the two boys were a block away from the QT, a car hit Samuel.
"He got struck from the back," said Fernandez. "He never saw it coming."
Samuel's friend called 911 and remembers the vehicle being a dark Ford Explorer or Expedition. The vehicle involved will likely have damage to the front and right side.
There were no cameras or lights near the crash.
"If he would not have had the bike in the way, the impact would have probably taken his life," Fernandez explained. "They told [the best friend] if he wouldn't have been there with him, in two minutes he would have died."
Samuel woke up from an induced coma.
Right now, doctors are trying to save his left leg.
He's had six blood transfusions.
His left index finger is gone.
"The [driver] was going too fast and just took [the finger] with him," said Fernandez. "When they shut down the road, they found his finger on the road."
Family says Samuel is always offering a helping hand. His dream is to be a pilot in the Air Force.
"He was already talking to recruiters about going to the Air Force right after high school," said Fernandez. "Unfortunately, he's probably not going to be able to do it...It just ruined his whole future."
Samuel's dad, a single father of five, hasn't left his side.
"I'm pretty sure he's still gonna keep trying to do good," Fernandez said about Samuel. "This is just gonna slow him down a little bit."
If you have any information on the driver or vehicle involved, call the SAPD Traffic Investigations Department at 210-207-7385. Family members are pleading the person responsible to turn themselves in.
"[They] could have stopped to help. [They] could have stopped to see what [they] did," said Fernandez. "I ask him to come forward or her to come forward."
Meanwhile, Samuel's family is planning a plate sale this Saturday to help with medical expenses. It will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 115 Bethany. Plates are $12 for BBQ chicken, sausage and trimmings. Beverages also available. You can pre-order plates via Cash App to $areyna115 (please include name and how many plates), or you can pay day-of.
Samuel's father, Sam, also made his Cash App available should anyone wish to help with medical expenses: $marooned7.