FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Nicole Scherzinger is pleading for the person who struck and killed her cousin in Fort Lauderdale to come forward.
The singer, actress and current “Masked Singer” judge spoke with 7News over the phone, Friday.
“First of all, he was kind — kind eyes, kind soul. The best smile,” she said.
Investigators said John Frederick III was struck by a car as he crossed the intersection at Broward Boulevard and Northwest Seventh Avenue, at around 3 a.m. on Oct. 26.
“It sounded like a car hit a car. I never thought it was a person getting hit,” said a witness.
Surveillance video from a nearby gas station captured the 35-year-old’s final moments.
Rescue officials pronounced him dead at the scene.
Detectives said the driver did not stop.
Scherzinger said Frederick was lovingly called “John Boy” by family members.
“I couldn’t believe how somebody could hit another person, who is alone, and just leave them there to die,” Scherzinger said.
Scherzinger said she and Frederick grew up together in Hawaii and that is where he fell in love with the ocean.
His appreciation for the ocean led him to move to Fort Lauderdale and on his free time, Scherzinger said he would clean up trash on the beach.
“He loved the water so much, so he always tried to clean up the beach and do what he could to give back,” she said.
Police are searching for a silver Hyundai Sonata between the years 2009 and 2014 with front-end damage.
“”Look, I’m sure it was an accident but it’s just inhumane. It’s just not right,” said Scherzinger.
The former Pussycat Doll singer and TV personality said she is willing to triple the Crime Stoppers’ reward offered for information leading to the driver’s arrest.
“Somebody saw something out there. I know it’s hard, but just from our hearts to yours, please, please,” said Scherzinger. “It’s just the right thing to do.”
If you have any information on this hit-and-run, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of close to $10,000.
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