Florida man killed in Christmas morning hit-and-run two days after being best man in dad’s wedding
- Andrew Sofranko, 23, was crossing South Harbor City Boulevard when an unknown driver struck him and sped away early in the morning of Dec. 25.
- He died two days after he gave a heart-warming speech as best man at his father's wedding
- Melbourne Police are still investigating the cause of the crash. No suspect has yet been identified
A 23-year-old Florida man died in an accident just days after delivering a heartwarming speech as best man at his father's wedding.
Andrew Sofranco was crossing South Harbor City Boulevard when an unknown driver struck him and drove off early in the morning of December 25.
Andrew later succumbed to injuries and died at Holmes Regional Medical Center.
Melbourne Police are still investigating the cause of the crash and whether alcohol or drugs were involved. No suspect has yet been identified.
The unfortunate victim attended the wedding of his father, Douglas Sofranko to stepmother Denall Sofranko in Melbourne on December 23 as a best man.
Andrew Sofranko (left) was crossing South Harbor City Boulevard when an unknown driver struck him and drove off early in the morning of December 25
The unfortunate victim attended the wedding of his father, Douglas Sofranko to stepmother Denall Sofranko in Melbourne on December 23 as a best man.
Video footage showed Andrew giving a heartfelt speech at the wedding, calling Douglas his “hero and guide.”
'Here's to a marriage that not only stands the test of time, but also blossoms every day. Dad, you have been my hero and guide, and seeing you take this step with such grace and happiness fills my heart with immense joy,” the victim said happily.
The tearful father later said he was devastated and that he loved Andrew 'more than anyone in the world'.
'I was absolutely devastated. I mean, I loved him more than anyone in the world.
'Losing one child enough is hard to fathom, but to go from literally the happiest times of our lives to not even two full days later is the absolute worst horrific tragedy I have ever experienced in my entire life and I will ever experience experience,” he shared.
The heartbroken father also said his son was planning to join the Navy next year.
Video footage showed Andrew giving a heartfelt speech at the wedding, calling Douglas his “hero and guide.”
The tearful father later said he was devastated and that he 'loved Andrew more than anyone in the world'
The heartbroken father also said his son was planning to join the Navy next year
Andrew's new stepmother and bride, Denall, said he cried a few times while preparing his best man speech
Andrew's new stepmother and bride, Denall, said he cried a few times while preparing his best man speech.
'He was so worried the days before. He says, I'm just trying not to cry. I don't want to cry. And he almost cried a few times. But it was a beautiful speech and something we will cherish forever,” she said, sobbing.
Andrew's uncle, Ronald Kane, has set up a GoFundMe to ask for help with funeral costs.
Kane wrote, “Drew was a very caring person who was always there for anyone who needed him. He loved his family, football, video games and his friends. He was a very intelligent young man and had plans to enlist in the U.S. Navy in 2024 with the goal of being part of the Nuclear Field program.”
The crowdfunding page has raised $4,495 of its $10,000 goal.