Fundraiser Set Up for 5 Children of Man Killed in Freeway Accident

The man who died in an overturned wreck on the Ventural (134) Freeway Friday was a single father of five young children.

And these folks could use a little financial help. So family friend Angie Grepo has set up an online fundraiser for the children of Jimmy Hughes, Jr., available on youcaring.com. You may see the page and contribute here. 

The 37-year-old Eagle Rock resident lost control of his Chevrolet Suburban in Glendale last week. The vehicle barreled down an embankment and crossed the median into eastbound lanes, colliding with a Toyota Solara before overturning. Los Angeles County Coroner Assistant Chief Ed Winter said Monday that heart disease and blunt force trauma were the causes of death - indicating Hughes may have had a heart attack while driving. 

The unexpected death of their father has left his two sons and three daughters in an economically vulnerable position, Grepo said. She described Hughes as "a good friend'' and "an awesome father.''

On the fundraising page Grepo wrote: 

As you all Jimmy Hughes Jr was an amazing Single father of five. He left behind 2 young men and 3 beautiful girls. We ask for your support in any amount possible. No amount is too great or too small. These funds will allow Jimmy's Family to provide anything the children may need. The Hughes family consists of great people. They deserve all the support and prayers you have to offer. Thank you for your time and your generousity [sic].

Friend of the family Marcos Arroyo echoed Grepo's sentiments. He described the Hughes family as "hard working'' and "like most of us, just trying to get by and make the best of life.'' 

Added Arroyo: "We just pray and hope that Jimmy's kids will be able to heal, to live a normal life as possible, and to make something positive of themselves and to make their father Jimmy Hughes proud,'' Arroyo wrote in an email to Patch. 

The fundraising page says the family hopes to raise $5,000. As of early Monday, they've raised $495.

Memorial Service

A service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Dominic’s in Eagle Rock, 2002 Merton Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90041. There will be a gathering afterward at Eagle Rock park gym. A friend of the family requested that guests please bring a dish or drinks.