Vigil held in Koreatown after two brothers struck by car, one dies

Vigil held for brother killed in Koreatown hit-and-run

Leonidas Accip was killed early Tuesday morning when he and his 18-year-old brother were hit by a car while riding their bikes to work. Police are searching for the driver.

LOS ANGELES - An emotional vigil was held Tuesday night in Koreatown after two brothers were struck by a vehicle, killing one of them.

Wilder Accip, 18, and Leonidas Accip, 38, were riding their bikes, heading to work their shift at Paris Baguette, when surveillance video shows a white Jeep Cherokee slam into them without stopping. Wilder suffered minor injuries, but Leo died at the scene, in front of Wilder.

"My brother is dead. I have no words. It happened in front of me. I saw it," said Wilder in Spanish.

Wilder describes his brother, Leo, as friendly and calm. Colleagues from Paris Baguette who showed up for the vigil described Leo the same way, and said he was a hard worker too.

Wilder said Leo and their other brother all lived together, and immigrated here from Guatemala. They're the only family members living in the United States and are close-knit.

"I was living with Leo. He gave me everything. He (Leo) was like a father to me and when I came here [from the U.S.] with him, he was always with me for everything. He (Leo) told me how things would be and we worked together," said Wilder.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man watches brother die in Koreatown hit-and-run crash

Wilder said Leo worked at Paris Baguette for several years. The owner, Jae Kim, wrote the following on Go Fund Me:

"We all worked with Leo and want to help his brothers raise funds to transport his body to their home country, Guatemala.

On April 26, 2022. Leo and his brother Wilder were riding their bikes on the way to work and got in a hit-and-run accident. Wilder watched his brother die in front of him.

We were all fortunate to have the opportunity to work and get to know him. Leo was a hard worker and always had a great attitude no matter how hard the situation was; one of the best people we've ever met. We will all miss him so much and words can't describe how sad we are. Kindly consider donating to help support the family during this difficult time. Please continue to keep the family in your prayers. Thank you."

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The family is asking for help on Go Fund Me with funeral expenses and to help return Leo to Guatemala. The fundraiser was already close to reaching its $10,000 goal by Tuesday night.

Investigators believe the vehicle involved in the crash was reported stolen and that the hit-and-run driver never stopped to help.

Anyone with information about the crash or the suspect is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.