A Hillsborough County man was killed Saturday night during a memorial fundraiser for a deputy who died from cancer.
- Man killed while directing traffic in Hillsborough County
- Christopher Scigliano was hit by pickup truck and run over by SUV
- Happened during memorial carnival for deputy who died from cancer
Christopher Scigliano, 44, was directing traffic on Lithia-Pinecrest Road when he was hit by a pickup truck and then run over by an SUV, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Investigators said it was very dark and Scigliano was wearing dark clothing. Both drivers told authorities they didn’t see him.
Scigliano was married and a father to three young children. His neighbors nicknamed him the "mayor of Fishhawk Ranch" where he lived, because they said he was always informing them about events on Facebook and planning community functions.
The night he died he was directing a memorial carnival in honor of deputy Larry Morrell, who died of cancer this past summer. The proceeds were going toward Morrell’s scholarship fund, and also to help another deputy battling cancer.
“He was just a major part of the Fishhawk community,” said his boss Mark Van Dame.
Scigliano was a manager at Jake’s Way Back Burgers near his home. There, he was currently organizing and advertising a blood drive and a collection drive for Toys for Tots.
“Every year, he was working with all of these charities, and communities. And he was doing what he loved last night, working with a charity and leading it," said Van Dame.
At the carnival Sunday afternoon, it was pretty quiet. Ride operator Nigel Staples had to hold back the tears. He met Scigliano days before, while Scigliano was setting up the rides. Down to his last dollar, he asked Scigliano for a job.
Scigliano made it happen days later.
“If it wasn’t for him I don’t know if I would’ve had a way to make ends meet. It’s a blessing from God,” said Staples.
Staples was on break when he heard Scigliano was killed.
“Just can’t believe it. He got a toddler. Now it’s a toddler that got to grow up without their father. Not just a toddler, it’s a whole family that got to grow up without their father, without their husband,” said Staples. “I just don’t understand how a good person can be took. “
The Sheriff’s Office said the crash is still under investigation. It expects to make a determination on whether any charges will be filed sometime this week.
Detectives said neither speed nor intoxication appear to be factors in the crash.
A family friend has set up an online fundraiser for the Scigliano family.
A GoFundMe page has also been setup for the family.