COLTON, Calif. — A 37-year fire service veteran was killed after a suspected drunken driver slammed into his ATV.
NBC Los Angeles reported that David Lodarski, a captain for 25 years and a father of two, was inspired by his father to become a firefighter. His son followed in his footsteps and became a firefighter and paramedic.
Capt. Lodarski and his son, Hunter, were going off-roading when a vehicle struck their ATV, sending Lodarski and his ATV tumbling toward oncoming traffic. His son was injured in the crash.
Kevin Paul Diehl was accused of being the driver behind the wheel.
“I just hope the guy gets what’s coming to him,” Hunter Lodarski said.
Neighbors said the road is a speed zone and is a huge problem.
“This road is eating residents alive. It’s taking lives. It’s shattering families,” said Kay Bruno, who lives nearby.
“Him not knowing his grandchildren and teaching him what he taught his sons — it’s difficult,” his wife Cyndi said. “But we will keep him alive because of who he was.”
Diehl faces felony charges including vehicular manslaughter and DUI causing death.