Sunny Isles Family Struck By Van Gets Helping Hand

SUNNY ISLES, FL — Friends of the Sunny Isles family that was struck by a Honda Odyssey as they walked along Collins Avenue Sunday night have started a GoFundMe page. Thirty-four-year-old Amir Pelleg was pronounced dead on the scene while his 32-year-old wife, Zulma, was taken to Aventura Hospital where she was in a coma as of Tuesday. Their two-year-old and six-year-old daughters were both taken to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

"Amir's life centered around his wife, Zulma, and two beautiful daughters, Ariella (6 years-old) and Aviva (2 years-old)," the GoFundMe explains. "He dedicated his life to making them feel loved, safe and happy, and worked to afford them every opportunity in the world. Amir lived with his family in Sunny Isles, Florida where he was an accomplished attorney at Kayne Anderson Real Estate and an active member of the Hochberg Synagogue."

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The incident happened shortly after 8 p.m. just blocks from the family's home in the 17400 block of Collins Avenue. The driver was identified as 26-year-old Joseph Franco of nearby Aventura, who remained on the scene. Franco was not immediately charged but Miami-Dade traffic homicide detectives were continuing to investigate the incident.

"Zulma is currently in a coma recovering and their two daughters are being treated at nearby hospitals and expected to make a full recovery," the GoFundMe page said. "All funds will go directly to his wife and children to help pay medical bills and funeral expenses and support the girl's future."

Someone placed flowers in a public bus shelter near where the family was struck. A concrete dividing wall that separates an oceanfront park from the sidewalk had visible damage where it was struck by the Honda.

The GoFundMe page was started on Tuesday with a goal of $50,000. The page had already raised $77,846 as of late Wednesday morning.

"We are heartbroken at this immeasurable loss and appreciate you thinking of Amir's family and sending your love during this unimaginable time," the GoFundMe page added.

Click here to make a donation.

Photo courtesy GoFundMe, a Patch partner organization.