A funeral for a U.S. Marine lance corporal from Union City who had served in Afghanistan before he was killed in a crash last month was held Friday afternoon.
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Silva, 23, was fatally struck in a DUI hit-and-run crash in Fremont on March 25.
Silva's grief stricken friends and family gathered on Friday to say goodbye to him.
"He had a bright future ahead of him, it's just so sad this had to end too soon too soon," said Silva's cousin Mark Ignacio.
Dozens came to show the family their support, including the patriot guard riders and the command staff of the Union City Police Department.
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Silva, who had returned in February from active duty, was riding amotorcycle when he was struck by Yohn, who was driving a Mini Cooper throughthe intersection of Fremont Boulevard and Decoto Road around 1 a.m. thatmorning.
Yohn had been in a police pursuit from an earlier incident at aTaco Bell drive-thru and speeding and refusing to stop, according to police.After he hit Silva, Yohn allegedly fled but police eventually caught up to him.
According to police, Yohn had been drinking and on prescription drugs to help with a heroin addiction.
His next court appearance is April 28, according to Alameda County sheriff's records.
Silva is survived by his wife, Julie Little Nguyen, and their 2-year-old son, Noah. Silva had attended James Logan High School with his wife. He graduated in 2009.
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Fremont Bank has established an account for Silva's wife and son.Donations can be made at any Fremont Bank branch.
