Driver strikes and kills man and dog in hit-and-run incident

In the United States, a tragic incident occurred when a driver struck and killed a man and his dog while they were walking on the sidewalk. Rafael Alberto Buitrago, 65, and his goldendoodle Nova were walking near their Aurora home on a Thursday evening when a speeding driver lost control of his SUV and hit them. Witnesses reported the incident happened around 7 p.m. at the intersection of East Wesley Drive and East Caspian Circle, resulting in the immediate death of Nova and the later death of Buitrago at a hospital due to severe injuries sustained in the crash. The driver, Michael Graham-Hyde, initially left the scene but turned himself in to authorities approximately seven hours later. He has since been charged with careless driving resulting in death and leaving the scene of an accident involving injury. The Aurora Police Department's investigation concluded that alcohol and drugs were not factors in the crash. Graham-Hyde has already been released on bond, causing outrage and emotional turmoil among Buitrago's family and community members. Buitrago's family described him as a loving and selfless individual, who, along with his wife Luz and their dog Nova, formed a tight-knit family unit. His niece Nathalie Munoz stated the profound loss has left behind an unbearable pain for the family, particularly for Luz, who lost both her husband and their cherished pet. The tragic events surrounding Buitrago and Nova's deaths highlight a growing concern regarding hit-and-run incidents and their repercussions in Colorado. Family members have expressed their goal to advocate for legal changes to hold such drivers more accountable for their actions. In light of this incident, a crowdfunding campaign has also been initiated to support Luz as she copes with her profound losses and seeks justice. The family is pushing for legislative reforms to address the leniency of current hit-and-run laws in Colorado, emphasizing the need for stricter consequences for individuals responsible for such tragic events. The memory of Buitrago and Nova serves as a call to action for preventing future incidents and advocating for accountability on the roads.