$3K reward offered in Sawgrass Expressway hit-run-run crash

Tractor trailer hit Matthew Danchak

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Broward Crime Stoppers is offering a $3,000 reward for information in a hit-and-run crash on the Sawgrass Expressway.

The crash happened north of the Sample Road exit on Oct. 11. Matthew Danchak was involved in a separate crash, then tried crossing the northbound lanes but was hit by a tractor trailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

"My brother's sneaker in the middle of the Sawgrass Expressway -- that was the first coverage I ever saw. I lost it," said his sister, Melissa Echaus. "Obviously, my brother didn't notice it, and it came and literally knocked him out of his shoes and just kept going."

"How can a human being run over another human being and keep on going? How?" asked his mother, Mindy Danchak.

According to FHP, the tractor trailer was missing a mirror and had right front-end damage. It was pulling a white box trailer at the time.

But the parts left behind were after-market ones, making it difficult to find the truck.

"I can't fathom them living with themselves. No matter what the consequences were, it would still be better for this person to come forward," said Mindy Danchak.

Danchak remains in critical condition at Broward Health North.

"He (tractor trailer driver) doesn't realize that this is affecting everybody, his family and friends everywhere," said Echaus. "In my heart, I know there's someone out there who knows something."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.