Orlin Dariel-Rodriguez and Son Killed on Eastern Valley Road

In Bessemer, a quiet Sunday night turned into a moment of unimaginable loss — one that began with a routine trip and ended in heartbreak.

It was just before 8 p.m. on March 15 when 33-year-old Orlin Dariel-Rodriguez and his 3-year-old son, Jared Ramos, were struck by a vehicle along Eastern Valley Road. Both died at the scene.

Family members say everything happened in seconds. The child had just arrived home with his father after a grocery run when he slipped out through an open door and ran downhill toward the road. His father ran after him without hesitation.

He reached his son. But there was no time left.

A vehicle was already approaching. The impact happened before they could make it back to safety.

The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. Investigators continue working to reconstruct exactly how the events unfolded.

Now, a community is left grieving not only the loss of a young child, but also a father whose final moments were spent trying to save him.

The family will release obituary, memorial, funeral, and visitation details at a later time. Until then, some information remains subject to confirmation, and this report may be updated as additional details emerge.