Florida Highway Patrol is asking Wesley Chapel residents to help identify the driver who hit and killed 39 year old Daniel Avena along Boyette Road near Vienna Woods Lane on the evening of Nov. 16.
Troopers say Avena was struck by a vehicle believed to be an SUV, possibly a Toyota 4Runner or a similar model, traveling southbound. Investigators believe he was left on the roadside for about 12 hours before he was found around 7 a.m. the next morning, Nov. 17.
Family members say Avena was a familiar face in the area, known for his humor and constant dad jokes. Many people recognized him by the nickname “Bernie Mac,” especially around the nearby Racetrac gas station on Boyette Road, where loved ones say he often stopped. His family says walking along Boyette Road was part of his routine, even though the roadway is busy and that stretch has no sidewalks and limited lighting.
According to information shared by investigators, Avena left the Racetrac around 7 p.m., roughly a quarter mile south of where he was later found. A surveillance image from the gas station reportedly captured a vehicle believed to be connected to the crash about 12 minutes after the incident.
A memorial now lines the shoulder near the location where he was discovered. Family and friends have said they struggle to understand how no one came forward sooner, and they are urging anyone who saw something to speak up.
Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Crime Stoppers app. Anyone with information is asked to call Florida Highway Patrol by dialing FHP (347), or contact Crime Stoppers by calling **TIPS (8477).
Family members are also asking leaders to consider additional safety measures along Boyette Road, where neighbors have long raised concerns about lighting and pedestrian safety.
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