Family Remembers Innocent Man Killed In Crash During Valley Brook Police Chase

A woman recalled the moment she got to the scene of a crash that killed a man she calls a son.

Valley Brook police said a driver running from officers caused the crash.

For Chandra Wood, Jaime Lujan was her son's best friend, and like a son to her.

She said the two friends along with another neighbor were in a pickup when they were rammed by a speeding car.

For Ethan Stevens, Saturday night is mostly a blur.

“I woke up and started to figure out what was going on,” said Stevens.         

“They were all knocked out,” said Steven’s mother Chandra.

Ethan, Jaime and their friend were in Ethan's truck when investigators said Derrick Alexander slammed into them and one other car, while running from Valley Brooke police.

Alexander died at the scene.

“We still don’t know the exact reason why he was running. I know the officer thought he was driving while impaired,” said Valley Brook Police Chief Michael Stamp.

The three friends were taken to a local hospital.

“And then when they brought my son to me, he didn't know who I was. My son had no memory at all,” said Wood.

Despite doctor's efforts, Jaime didn't survive.

“At that point it was touch and go, and then they finally made the call to her that the swelling was too much, and he couldn’t take it anymore,” said Wood.      

Jaime leaves behind an 18-year-old sister, and a 12-year-old brother he had taken custody of three years ago.                                   

“He just always kept me strong, no matter what we were going through. He was like my backbone,” said sister Samantha Lujan.

A shrine is now erected in his memory as friends and family remember the kindhearted man who always made them laugh.

“Every mom fears this and all I can say is guys when your mom questions you and asks where you're going don't get mad, because this is why, because mine didn't come home,” said Wood.

Valley Brook police said the collision remains under investigation.