‘He left Brazil for a better life’: Daughter shares tribute of delivery driver killed in hit and run
The daughter of man killed in a hit-and-run said he left Brazil to find a “better life” in London.
Ronaldo Medeiros De Oliveira, 44, was killed in a collision involving his motorbike and a car on Thursday of last week in Leigham Court Road, Streatham.
His daughter, Gabriele Oliveira, told the South London Press: “He was a hero.
“He was hard worker. Always done everything for me and my mum. He left Brazil to offer me a better life and give me a better future.
“He was an amazing dad and husband, loved by many of his friends.
“He was going through a green light when a car came from another road through the red light and hit him. The people in the car ran away and left him unconscious.”
Emergency services were called at around 8.15pm and they found Ronaldo had sustained “serious injuries”. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 22-year-old man was arrested in connection with the investigation and has since been released without further action.
Detective Sergeant Nick Bale, of the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “My thoughts are with Ronaldo’s family and I want to reiterate my commitment to them that we are working hard to piece together what happened.
“I am continuing to ask anyone who has information about the identity of three occupants who we believe left a blue BMW abandoned at the scene of the collision to get in touch. Similarly, if you were in the car, please make yourself known to us.”
Ronaldo’s family shared an additional statement, which said: “My dad was a kind, loving person who always did what was right.
“He was always happy and never had bad times when we were with him. He was my true hero, taught me everything I know. We are going to miss him a lot. Wherever he went he carried a lot of light with him and a lot of happiness.”
A fundraiser that has been set up by the family to allow Ronaldo’s body to be taken back to Brazil for a funeral has reached £17,000. You can donate here.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage can call the incident room on 020 8285 1574. You can also call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 7533/11MAY.
To remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
Pictured top: Ronaldo Medeiros De Oliveira was killed in a hit-and-run (Picture: Family handout)
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