A heartbroken crowd braved noise and traffic to meet at sundown over the 215 Freeway at 5th Street in San Bernardino Wednesday night to remember a beloved father of five killed when his car was struck by the driver of a stolen car leading police on a chase.
Thirty-three-year-old Cornelius "Neil" Holly died on impact.
San Bernardino police were in pursuit of a black Nissan Sentra around 4:30 a.m. The driver briefly led officers onto the 215 Freeway before exiting at 5th Street, where he T-boned Holly’s 1990 Honda.
"I feel really bad for the kids. Feel really bad for the family. Feel really bad for the people that did this. Bad for their families, also," said friend Bruce McGhee.
On the bridge where he died, Holly's loved ones said they cannot believe he's gone.
"With his friends and his family, the ones who were always there for him. He was there for a lot of people. And not everybody was there for him. The ones that are here, have been there for him,” said Holly’s wife, Juana.
"Just remember him," said his brother, Joseph Holly. “We're all Christians. We know he's in a better place."
The crash came moments after Holly left work at this nearby rail yard. Stunned colleagues were among the first on scene.
Police Chases
Video from Southern California's police pursuits and follow-ups on what happened after the chase
"I had to look. Sure enough, I seen his car piled right here. I think those cops need to start doing something about the way they chase people. That ain't the way to go. Innocent bystander like that," said Richard Arellano, a co-worker.
The driver of the stolen car, Damian Antonio Garcia, 18, and passenger, Ricardo Cerda, 21, were both arrested and face charges related to the vehicle and Holly’s death.
They are due in court Thursday.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Holly's family with expenses. You can contribute here.
