LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Joree Odabi, 23, was killed while on a late afternoon walk in the southwest Las Vegas Valley. He was hit by a suspected impaired driver this week.
His family says he was the kindest person you’d ever meet.
“He was a really good kid. He was always there when people needed him. Every day, he went out for a walk because he just wanted to exercise,” said Valerie Odabi, Joree’s mother.
But when Odabi went out before work on Tuesday, he didn’t make it home.
Las Vegas Metropolitan police say a suspected impaired driver started swerving along Warm Springs Road near Torrey Pines. The car went onto the sidewalk and hit a light pole, and then struck and killed Odabi.
His brother, Justice Odabi, says that afternoon he called him several times, and he didn’t pick up. That’s when he realized something was wrong.
“I rushed to the house and I went to his location and there’s nothing but blue sirens all around, and my heart drops because my brother never, even if he sleeps, he’ll wake up, he’ll call me, even if he’s doing anything, he’ll call me right after,” Joree’s brother explained.
He even reviewed the doorbell video and confirmed he left his house around 4:15. Metro says the crash took place around 4:40.
His family is calling for change, including more police presence in the area.
Another deadly crash involving an e-scooter occurred in the same area in March.
“It’s a 35 miles per hour zone and people are flying, going 60,70,80 and this is the result of that,” Justice said.
But Odabi’s loved ones know crashes won’t suddenly go away.
“You put stiffer laws and I don’t know, they’re they’re just not stiff enough and people, they just whatever, they’re going to go out and drink anyway,” Justice admitted.
“It’s very, very, very painful and really, I’m at a loss for words for losing my son,” his mother cried out.
Daniel Stakleff, 38, is facing deadly DUI and reckless driving charges. An arrest report reveals officers found an empty marijuana vape pen and cartridge in his car.
He’s due back in court on Monday.
Joree’s family is planning a vigil Monday night at the intersection where he was killed.
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