Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by CCAR Staff
MONTCLAIR >> Family and friends held a vigil Saturday night to mourn the loss of a Montclair man who was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver.
Dieu Van Nguyen, 66, was riding his bicycle near the 4600 block of Kingsley Street when he was hit by a pick-up truck shortly before 6:30 p.m. Friday, police said in a news release.
Officers found Nguyen lying on the sidewalk, less than a mile from his home. He was transported to an area hospital where he died of his injuries.
Friends, family members and neighbors gathered at Kingsley Street Saturday to remember his life and pray for him in English and Vietnamese. Nguyen immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam about ten years ago and recently retired from working in plastic molding, said family friend Thu Nguyen, 32, of Montclair.
He began spending more time with friends about a year ago, and was on his way to visit Thu Nguyen’s father, Trung, when he was killed.
“My dad was expecting him. We waited for an hour and didn’t hear from him, so my dad called his cell phone a couple times,” she said. “A person from the emergency room picked up. They said he was there, but wouldn’t release any information.”
More than 20 people gathered at the vigil where they described Dieu Nguyen as a very cheerful and positive man. The party didn’t start without him, said Thu Nguyen.
“His wife is still in shock, but thank God we’re all here for her, especially her family and close friends,” she said. “We all comforted her. It was very emotional.”
Dieu Nguyen leaves behind a wife, three children and two step-children.
Anyone with information related to his death is asked to call the Montclair Police Department at 909-621-4771. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the WeTip hotline at 800-78-CRIME.
