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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, July 26, 2008

Fund set up for funeral of teen in fatal hit-run

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

David Wayne Aldridge II

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A fund has been set up at First Hawaiian Bank for people who want to donate money to help the family of David Wayne Aldridge II, who died early Tuesday morning in a hit-and-run accident.

Any money going into the account will help the Aldridge family defray the cost of funeral expenses. Staff Sgt. David Wayne Aldridge Sr., the victim's father, said the family is incurring heavy costs in part because he is to be buried in Jeffersonville, Ind., where the Aldridges have family.

A service is also taking place locally from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Schofleld Post Chapel. The senior Aldridge is an 18-year military veteran currently stationed at Schofield.

Donations can be made at any First Hawaiian Bank branch. Checks should be made out to the account of Friends of David Wayne Aldridge II, said First Sgt. Aaron Prater of the 25th Special Troops Battalion.

Prater is the senior enlisted soldier in the senior Aldridge's company. Prater's son, Corey, was friends with David Wayne Aldridge II when the two attended Leilehua High School this past school year.

Aldridge supporters are still working out the details of establishing a fund that would collect reward money designed to provide incentive to anyone who may have information that would help police locate the driver of the vehicle that hit Aldridge.

On Thursday, a Pearl Harbor sailor said he is offering $1,000 to anyone providing information to police. Since a story ran yesterday about the offer, The Advertiser Web site has received commentary from other readers who want to contribute to a reward.

The teen was bicycling home from work along the shoulder of Kamehameha Highway near Dole Plantation when he was struck by an unknown vehicle.

The senior Aldridge, police and others have continued to urge the driver to come forward and for the public to bring forth any information.

Tuesday's Hawai'i service is being held at the Schofield Barracks Post Chapel. A service begins at 7 p.m. The public is invited. Entry for the public will be at Lyman Gate. Civilians are asked to provide a current driver's license and insurance card.

Reach Gordon Y.K. Pang at gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com.