Pennsylvania Resident, Andrew Sofranko, Attended Florida Wedding as Best Man for ‘Hero’ Dad Prior to Fatal Christmas Hit-and-Run

Details of Hit-and-Run Accident in Melbourne, Florida

The tragic story of a Pennsylvania man, Andrew Sofranko, who was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Christmas morning in Melbourne, Florida has come to light. The incident occurred only hours after Sofranko had served as the best man at his father’s destination wedding in Florida.

At around 12:18 a.m. on Monday, Sofranko was crossing an intersection in Melbourne when he was hit by a northbound vehicle that didn’t stop after the accident. The Handover Township, Pennsylvania native, was in the city to celebrate his father and stepmother’s marriage, which had taken place on Dec. 23.

Sofranko was discovered by first responders suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was immediately transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center, which was located a mile away. He was pronounced dead a short time later, according to a statement by Melbourne Police Department.

Father’s Account of the Tragedy

Commenting on the tragic incident, Douglas, Sofranko’s father, revealed that according to the physician, his son likely died instantly upon impact as “he didn’t have a pulse when the paramedics got there.”

During the wedding celebration, Andrew Sofranko had given a heartfelt speech, referring to his father as a hero and expressing his happiness at seeing his stepmother become an officially recognized member of their family.

The couple’s wedding and honeymoon plans were abruptly altered as they found themselves making funeral arrangements and awaiting the identification of the person responsible for their son’s death.

Family Appeals for Justice

The grieving family has stated that eyewitnesses saw a white four-door Chevrolet leaving the scene and are making an appeal to the driver to come forward. “I can’t even imagine the amount of guilt that they must be feeling as well,” said Sofranko’s stepmother, Danell Sofranko, as she asked for justice for her stepson.

Sofranko was described by his family as an intelligent and caring individual, always ready to offer help when needed. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing video games and watching football. Sofranko had planned to join the US Navy’s Nuclear Field program next year.

Memorial for Andrew Sofranko

In the aftermath of the fatal hit-and-run incident, a memorial was established at the intersection where Sofranko was struck. It featured baskets of flowers and a sidewalk chalk art mural created in his memory.

The Melbourne police department has initiated an investigation into this incident as a Traffic Homicide but stated it’s uncertain whether drugs or alcohol played any role in the accident.