KENT, Ohio — The family of a Kent State University student who was struck and killed Monday while riding an electric scooter is pleading for the public’s help.
Colin Pho, 22, was identified as the victim and the driver responsible is still unknown, according to police.
Waking up Wednesday morning, Jonathan Pho said the reality that one of his children is gone still doesn’t seem real.
“Losing a child is the worst thing ever, especially my oldest son, my first born,” he said.
Colin was the oldest of five. A kid his parents said was easy to get along with. To his siblings, he was a model big brother.
“Being an older brother, he did take the responsibility of watching them really well,” Jonathan said. “Some moments he's very quiet when he is thinking about things, [other] moments he's just outgoing, totally rambunctious.”
Just days shy from his junior year at Kent State University, Colin was riding his electric scooter down County Road 148 (Summit Road) near the intersection of State Route 261 in Franklin Township.
An unknown driver struck Colin, who was in the middle of the road, from behind and fled the scene after, according to police.
Pictures sent by Ohio State Highway Patrol show a driver’s side mirror left behind after the accident.
Investigators believe the vehicle the driver was in is a 2006 to 2010 white, silver or light-colored dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, or Chrysler 300.
“Last night, I could not get sleep,” Jonathan said. “It just doesn’t feel real, and my wife still doesn’t accept the totality of it.”
Trying to carry on with life, the Pho family is pleading for answers and for the person responsible for come forward.
“This is my boy. I know that whoever did this is scared and doesn't want to come forward, but they have to face the reality that my son died because of this incident,” Jonathan said.
Kent State University released the following statement Tuesday about the death of Colin Pho:
"We are deeply saddened to learn about the death of Colin Pho. An Ashtabula native, Colin was a junior at Kent State University majoring in computer science with a concentration in game programming. He received his Associate of Science degree from Kent State in May 2022 and was registered for fall 2022 classes to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The Kent State community sends its thoughts and prayers to Colin’s family, friends and all who knew and loved him."
The suspected vehicle may have damage to the left, front side of the car and the windshield, police said.
The OSHP is asking anyone with information related to this crash to contact the Ravenna Highway Patrol Post at (330) 297-1441.
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