Nepalese man killed in SF hit-and-run remembered as 'hardworking and caring father'

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The California chapter of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA California) has started a GoFundMe for a 30-year-old Nepalese man killed in a hit-and-run in Bernal Heights last Saturday. The group is asking for donations to help cover the victim’s funeral expenses and support his eight-year-old daughter left behind.

The crash marks the 13th pedestrian death for San Francisco this year, according to Walk San Francisco (Walk SF).

The GoFundMe page said Binod Budhathok, who resided in San Francisco, was fatally struck at 2 a.m. as he was heading back home after attending a Dashain festival celebration.

The San Francisco Police Department said officers responded to a report of a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at 2:10 a.m. at the intersection Cortland and Anderson streets.

SFPD confirmed Budhathok was found at the scene suffering from life-threatening injuries and later died at a nearby hospital, despite life-saving measures from medics. The suspected driver fled the scene after hitting Budhathok and no arrests have yet been made, said police.

Budhathok was originally from Sanibheri Rural Municipality, Rukum District, Nepal, according to NRNA California. They described him as a “hardworking and caring father who had built a life in the U.S. while supporting his family back home.”

“This irreparable loss has plunged his family and the entire Nepali community into profound grief. Binod dai was a hardworking and vibrant individual who was striving in America while weaving dreams for his family,” adds the GoFundMe page. “We sincerely appeal to everyone to provide emotional and financial support to his bereaved family.” (‘Dai’ means ‘older brother’ in Nepali)

As of this report, the GoFundMe has raised more than $23,400 out of a $35K goal.

“It shouldn’t be life-or-death to cross the street in our city,” said Marta Lindsey, communications director for Walk SF, in a news release. “Pedestrians face more threats than ever, with vehicles bigger, heavier, and more powerful and more reckless driving than ever. It’s a deadly combination. We need streets that are designed and enforced to protect us.”

Anyone with information about the collision is urged to contact the SFPD at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411, starting the message with “SFPD.”