GUADALUPE COUNTY, Texas – Though he died alone, along a sleepy stretch of Guadalupe County highway, Thomas Hagan’s loved ones are looking for answers together.
Dozens of Hagan’s friends and family gathered Sunday afternoon at the spot east of Seguin on Alternate U.S. Highway 90 near Beicker Road where the 19-year-old was killed by a hit-and-run driver early Friday morning. Several carried signs that read "#JusticeforThomas" with a heart symbol drawn underneath.
"We hope that people realize that he had a lot of love, and he has a lot of people behind him," said his older sister, Ashley Hagan.
According to to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Hagan was riding his bike east when he was hit by an unknown vehicle that took off from the scene. His family believes Hagan was coming back from his job at a McDonald's in Seguin, a little more than 3 miles away from the crash site.
Ashley Hagan said she was able to learn that her brother clocked out of work a little after midnight, changed his clothes and left McDonald's around 12:30 a.m..
A DPS Trooper responded to the crash at about 1:03 a.m., according to DPS. Hagan was found dead at the scene.
The fact that the driver took off eats at Hagan’s family.
His father, Michael Hagan, said he's "just heartbroken, sad that nobody stopped and helped and rendered aid. Could have saved his life."
"I need to know why somebody wouldn't help a teenage boy coming home from work, doing things on his own, being a responsible man," said Ashley Hagan. "Why didn't you just help him? Why didn't you just call?"
They hope that the sight of so many of Hagan’s loved ones gathered together will show how loved he was and how missed he is, and that someone will come forward with what they know, or maybe even to turn themselves in.
"I know that you're out there," Cynthia Hagan said tearfully, speaking directly to the person who hit her step-son, "and if you're watching, please know that I have forgiven you. But please come forward. I need answers, and I need closure."
Hagan's family described the teen as smart, joyful and funny. He like playing the guitar, drawing and reading.
Others who came Sunday to show their support had fond memories of him, as well.
Kelley McCann, his former teacher, said Hagan used to hang out in her classroom in high school and said he was "always happy and helpful, and just a good kid."
"He's just very kind-hearted guy," said Sherry Daniels, a family friend with whom Hagan had been staying. "He never hurt anybody, and he didn't deserve this."
But his family does deserve justice and to know what happened.
DPS is investigating the crash. If you have any information, the agency says you can call the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office at 830-379-1224.