A makeshift memorial of flowers and heartfelt messages now marks the crash site, honoring Hernandez’s life. Friends and colleagues gathered Tuesday evening for a candlelight vigil at the intersection where the tragedy occurred.
A GoFundMe memorial fundraiser described Hernandez as “a beloved son, brother, uncle, coworker, and friend,” adding, “Not only is his family devastated by his loss, but this has also been a big loss for the community that Irvin worked in.
Hernandez was well known along his mail route for his dedication and welcoming demeanor, the fundraiser said. He served as a letter carrier in the community for eight years, the Postal Service said in a statement to The Press Democrat.
“Irvin was not only a hard worker, he had an infectious smile and radiant personality that brought joy to all who had the pleasure to know and work alongside him,” the statement read. “Our sincerest condolences and thoughts go out to his family, friends, and co-workers.”
Mateo Crawford, a fellow letter carrier with downtown Santa Rosa’s USPS office, described Hernandez as “a very, very nice guy. On the shy side, but very nice. Kind heart, good soul.”
“He treated you like a regular best friend,” said Crawford, 30. “He’s one of those people you feel like you’ve known much longer.”
Police said the driver of the SUV, an 84-year-old Graton man, appeared to suffer a medical emergency before losing control of his GMC Denali. Surveillance footage and witness accounts showed the SUV driving erratically before it struck the postal truck and Hernandez.