May 6, 2021- 9:32 p.m.
A California man was fatally struck by an alleged drunk driver ā just after leaving an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, local reports said Wednesday.
Ray Galindo, a proud member of the program for the last 15 years, was killed on April 23 in Modesta when 22-year-old Braxton Howze allegedly ran into him, KOVR reported.
Galindo, 58, had been speaking to an AA newcomer outside the Living Sober Fellowship and sitting on the tailgate of his parked pickup.
Thatās when police say Howze, who was allegedly wasted, swerved off the road and hit him.
āItās like my heart sank in my chest,ā one of Galindoās AA group leaders, who was named as Mark G., told the TV-station.
āRay was a standup guy, he was a very helpful person, he always wanted to lend a hand.ā
He leaves behind three sons, two who are adults and a 9-year-old, according to the Modesto Bee.
āHe was such a good dad,ā Dee Dee Leslie, the childās mom, told the newspaper about Galindo.
āHe wanted (his son) to have a good education and all the stuff he couldnāt have.ā
Howze, who was allegedly driving on a suspended license from a previous DUI, faces charges including hit and run, DUI, and gross vehicular manslaughter.
He appeared bleary-eyed, bloody and bruised in a mugshot released by the Modesto Police Department.
Howze was being held on a $1,000,000 bail. Heās due back in court May 11.
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