LARGO, Fla. — A couple is fighting to survive at a Tampa Bay hospital after they were struck by a driver on New Year's Eve in Largo.
Kurt and Cherie Holzbacher were riding home from a friend's house around 10:45 p.m. Monday night when police say a driver pulled in front of them in the 7400 block of Ulmerton Road.
Witnesses report the driver sped off east on Ulmerton.
"Then after they hit them they stopped and then took off," said Jennifer Rehm, Kurt's sister. "So they knew and were aware that there were two bodies on the road and left.”
According to Largo Police, the vehicle is possibly a green or dark-colored 1999 or 2000 Ford Expedition.
Rehm tells ABC Action News, the couple, who recently celebrated their one year wedding anniversary, left the holiday party early to avoid dangerous or potential drunk drivers.
“This person needs to come forward and own what they did and handle the consequence of their actions. There needs to be justice," said Rehm.
Rehm says her brother remains in the intensive care unit at Bayfront Medical St. Petersburg recovering from a collapsed lung, multiple rib fractures, and damage to major organs.
Cherie Holzbacher suffered multiple fractures to her neck, pelvic, and ribs.
Largo Police ask anyone with information on that SUV or the driver to call them at 727-587-6730.
