Bicyclist dies after hit-and-run in Fort Lauderdale

James Ortibez, 39, struck by car, pronounced dead at hospital

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. ā€“ A man who was struck by a car while riding his bicycle in Fort Lauderdale has died.

Fort Lauderdale police said James Ortibez, 39, died Sunday morning, one day after the hit-and-run crash.

Detective Tracy Figone said Ortibez was riding his bicycle about 1:30 a.m. Saturday when a car struck him, knocking him off the bike and into the street. She said the driver of the car then took off without stopping to help.

Figone said Ortibez was taken to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead Sunday.

Police continue to search for the car, believed to be a gold four-door Volkswagen CC, and driver involved in the crash.

Local 10 News reporter Michael Seiden spoke to Ortibez's mother, who had this message for the driver.

"You took my son's life, but you know what? He was a donor ... and he's going to help a lot of people," Mary Ortibez said Monday. "You turn yourself in, because you can't hide. We're coming."

Mary Ortibez and the victim's 21-year-old son were among family members who flew to South Florida from Colorado to be by his side.

They said Ortibez, who grew up in Colorado, was a mechanic and also did home repairs.

"I just know that he was on his way home to get some clothes to go back to where he was at to go to work the next day," Mary Ortibez said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10

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Jan. 21: Walter Reyes was killed and Henry Hernandez was injured in a hit-and-run crash while they were riding their bicycles on the Rickenbacker Causeway.