COCOA, Fla. — The fiancée of the man who was killed by a hit-and-run driver while jogging is pushing for big changes to the rural Cocoa road where it happened.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers found the Jeep Cherokee involved in the crash, but don’t know who was behind the wheel when Jason Rodeghier, 39 was hit and killed last week.
Rodeghier’s family and friends went back to the site Monday to spread a message in hopes to prevent future accidents on the dark road.
“I want it out there, I want this fixed. I want to save lives,” said Julie Golversic, Rodeghier’s fiancée.
There are no posted speed limit signs on that section of Satellite Boulevard, where cars were kicking up dust, creating poor visibility.
The family of Rodeghier, a Marine veteran, launched a petition to improve the road either through paving it, or adding sidewalks and lights.
Troopers aren’t sure exactly what time on Feb. 15 the victim was hit, but his loved ones said it was dark out and therefore next to impossible to see a thing.
“He was a living, breathing man who did not deserve to die alone,” said Rodeghier’s friend, Sarah, who did not want to release her last name.
Residents in the area said the road’s current state is a vast improvement to the rutted lane it once was, and that a push to get a trail along the side of the road has been met with resistance due to cost.
“I don't want anybody to ever feel like I feel right now, and our families I want them to do something,” said Goloversic. “Jason was a good man, great father (and a) great friend.”
Cox Media Group
