The town of Gaillac (Tarn) is in shock after the tragic death of Steven Letombe, 38, hit by a vehicle on Saturday January 11, reports La Dépêche. After several days of investigation, a 75-year-old man was identified as the driver involved. Presented to a magistrate this Thursday, he was indicted for manslaughter aggravated by a hit-and-run and placed under judicial supervision.
Steven Letombe, father of three girls aged 11, 12 and 13, was a building caretaker in Albi and had settled in Gaillac. This Saturday evening, he was jogging when he was hit by a utility vehicle. Despite dark clothing and the absence of a lighting device, his family remains convinced that the driver could have saved the victim by providing assistance. “It’s despicable to do that, Steven could have been saved: he was still conscious, he raised his hand for a car to stop,” laments his sister, quoted by the daily.
Clues that made it possible to find the author
Discovered lying in a ditch an hour after the accident, Steven was still alive, but in a state of hypothermia. When help arrived, he succumbed to his injuries, including internal bleeding caused by the impact. The police managed to trace the suspect thanks to clues collected at the scene and testimonies from the family. The man, living in a town near Gaillac, was arrested at his home on Tuesday evening.
Emotions remain high within the local community, where an online fundraiser on the Leetchi platform brought together more than 220 participants to support the family and finance the funeral. Entitled “Support for Steven’s family”, it demonstrates the outpouring of solidarity from residents and Tarn football, where Steven was very appreciated. The judicial investigation entrusted to judge Claire De Agostini will have to clarify the circumstances of the accident and determine why the driver did not stop to help Steven.
Swiss
