Tania Dall / Eyewitness News
NEW ORLEANS -- One family wants answers after an Uptown man was hit and killed by a car.
The hit and run happened near the corner of Milan and Magazine streets early Monday morning.
"He was just a regular working person. He didn't make a lot of money but he was a decent person," said Kin Chan, describing his father.
Chun Nin Chan and his wife left Hong Kong in search of the American dream. The couple sacrificing a lot for their six kids including their son, Kin.
"I'm sure he would have been better off in Hong Kong. He spoke the language and had a better job over there. I'm sure he would have been better off but he wanted a better life for us," said Kin.
The Chan family has called New Orleans home for at least three decades. Chan worked at an old television store on Magazine Street that has since closed, choosing to retire in the same neighborhood.
"My dad likes to walk in the mornings like a daily walk around the neighborhood," said Kin.
On Monday morning the 82-year-old went for one of his regular strolls, attempting to cross Magazine Street just a block from home. Police say he was hit by a car that didn't stop.
"He was hit at 7 in the morning, rushed to the hospital, but didn't make it. He died at 6 o'clock [that night]," said Kin.
"It's pretty shocking," said Claudia Baumgarten who owns a nearby business.
On Friday afternoon, Chan's son and daughter-in-law Cindy canvassed the area, asking businesses about surveillance cameras and speaking to Baumgarten about the hit and run.
"I'm trying to figure out why someone would be going that fast that they wouldn't see someone crossing the road," said Baumgarten.
Miss Claudia's Vintage Clothing and Costume has been around since before Hurricane Katrina. Baumgarten said a newly paved Magazine Street is a good thing for the Uptown shopping district, but a danger for foot traffic.
"They did a great job paving the streets and sidewalks but the smoother the road the more people are enticed to go faster," said Baumgarten, who suggested the city put in speed bumps to slow down traffic.
"He always said he'd take care of his family," said Kin, who is trying to return the favor.
The family is circulating fliers hoping to track down the driver who hit the 82-year-old and never slowed down.
"I don't know exactly what happened, but he should have stopped and called 911," said Kin.
The New Orleans Police Department is investigating this case and says several eyewitnesses reported seeing a four-door white Nissan leave the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.
