FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Police are searching for the driver behind a hit-and-run that left a South Florida hairstylist in the hospital.
Anna Arsiriy told Local 10 News’ Layron Livingston that her brother-in-law, Eugene Arsirii, just moved to Fort Lauderdale from Orlando in June.
“He is such a sweet person,” said Arsiriy. “He was doing morning yoga, he was meditating, he was all about spreading peace and love. It was an act of kindness that turned his life into a nightmare.”
According to police, Arsirii was on his way home on August 11 when he pulled over near Northwest Sixth Street and 23rd Avenue to help a stranded driver.
“He’s always about to help everyone around him,” said Arsiriy. “It’s midnight, I would not stop, but he would.”
As Arsirii helped that driver and another person push the stalled van, a woman slammed into them from behind.
“The person never even stopped, never even looked at him, never even asked how he was doing,” said Arsiriy.
That woman got out of her vehicle and took off on foot.
Arsirii was the only person who suffered serious injuries.
“He had injuries all over the body,” said Arsiriy. “They did blood transfusion, he was under ventilation, they did a lot of stuff. I don’t know how many surgeries.”
On Friday Arsirii’s right leg was amputated. Doctors are hoping to save his left leg.
Bobby, Jr. owns the Wild Hare Salon in Boca Raton where Arsirii works. He’s now accepting donations on Arsirii’s behalf.
“He has a very long road ahead of him,” said Bobby Jr. “Anything to help him and his family would be greatly appreciated.
Bobby Jr. called Arsirii “a dream employee” who deserves justice.
“It’s so unfair,” said Arsiriy. “Not only is he facing disability and prosthetic legs for the rest of his life, but now he’s going to have this burden of insanely huge medical bills, rehabilitation, recovery, psychological help. I have no idea what to do.”
Authorities are still investigating the crash and searching for the driver. Family members have started a GoFundMe page to help pay for Arsirii’s final expenses.
Anyone with information is urged to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.