New Bedford Native Killed in Virginia Beach Hit-and-Run

VIRGINIA BEACH — A New Bedford native was killed in a hit-and-run motorcycle crash in Virginia Beach on Friday, and now his family is trying to bring him home for burial.

Phil Pereira, a 40-year-old father of three, died at the scene after his motorcycle was struck by a dark blue pickup truck at around 10:39 p.m. Friday night, according to Virginia Beach police. 

Police said Pereira was driving eastbound on the Ferrell Parkway in Virginia Beach when a Toyota Tundra with dark tinted windows turned left directly into the motorcycle. 

A release from the department stated that Pereira was thrown from the bike onto the road, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities are still looking for the suspect, who fled the scene towards the interstate, according to the release.

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Pereira was born and raised in New Bedford, but moved to Virginia Beach a few years ago, according to a GoFundMe set up by his family in order to bring his body home.

“Phil was an amazing man he lit up the room whenever he walked in it,” the webpage reads.

His cousin Ana Pinette told ABC6 that the family is determined to find the person responsible.

Family members have already raised more than $11,000 for funeral expenses.