MERCED, CA (KMJ) – UC Merced held a virtual moment of silence at noon on Friday to remember a student killed in a hit-and-run crash on Monday night.
UC Merced described 22-year-old Brian Chuc as caring and passionate.
Chuc was from Los Angeles and had been living on campus, studying sociology and philosophy.
At 8:00 pm on July 12, 2021, he died when his bicycle was hit from behind at Bellevue and Utah in Merced.
The CHP said it was a case of hit and run.
64-year-old Michael Harris – a pastor at a church in Ventura County has been arrested, after being located in Bakersfield. He told officers he thought he hit a deer.
Harris is now facing fatal hit-and-run and manslaughter charges.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Brian Chuc’s family. Link HERE.
The money raised will be used to pay for the transportation of Brian’s body from Merced to Los Angeles and for funeral costs.
Chuc’s younger brother Chris posted the following on the GoFundMe page:
“I have no words… this news is unexpected and It hurts me so much to say that my big bro has passed away. My idol, my inspiration, and my everything ,the person I looked up too. He was an amazing person,student, and amazing brother too me. I will never forget the times we spent together and the deep talks we had. He would always give me advice on life and everything else. I really appreciate the time I got to spend with him. Now In times like this I would really appreciate you guys to help me with this. All this money will help my family With the funeral and all the expenses that will cost us. Anything will help us , even if it’s reposting it or giving prayers that would really mean a lot to my family thank you. -Chris .c
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
