MIAMI ā The family of Cristian Fernandez is opening up to Local 10 News ahead of a planned celebration of life expected to take place this weekend.
Fernandez, 27, of Cutler Bay, was killed, while Angel Dominguez, 29, of Hialeah, was seriously hurt when their vessel collided with the Fisher Island Ferry near PortMiami just before 3:40 a.m.
The case is still under investigation as the surviving victim and operator of the boat recovers at the hospital.
Relatives say Fernandez and Angel Dominguez were friends for years. The families are also very close and theyāre praying for a swift recovery.
āI just want my brotherās friend to be ok because I know that if my brother was here it would be his top priority,ā said Fernandezās sister, Rocio.
Fernandezās mother and sister said people have been reaching out from all around the world who were impacted by Cristianās life.
He was a passionate animal advocate, rescuing strays and working with animals on the side. He was also known by family and friends as a man who would go out of his way to help others as best as he knew how.
āHe always wanted a family,ā said his mother, Rossana Garcia in Spanish. āHe said one day he would buy a lot of land and put a house in the middle for all the animals he wanted to take care of.ā
The family is planning a moving memorial on July 2, starting at 5 pm at Caballero Rivero, located at 7355 S.W. 117 Ave.
It will remain open overnight for whoever would like to join them. The service itself will begin around 6:15 p.m. and they are asking attendees to come in some form of white attire as a celebration of how much of a great person Cristian was to everyone.
The family would also appreciate it if attendees shared pictures they might have with Cristian.
Family members have set up fundraising accounts to help with expenses, which you find in the tweet below.
Family is planning a celebration of life for Cristian Fernandez after a boat crash near Port Miami. His mother sharing a tribute in his name saying in-part: āyou were and will always be my lightā
— Andrew Perez (@AndrewPerezWPLG) June 27, 2023
Details below to help with final expenses. @WPLGLocal10 https://t.co/a7ltABfhb5 pic.twitter.com/H1WvPkQkNz