Lowell Family Wants Answers After Father Killed In Hit-And-Run Jet Ski Crash

The family of a Lawrence, Massachusetts man, killed in a hit-and-run jet ski crash, are seeking answers in his tragic death.

Juan Arroyo-Ortiz, 39, was operating the watercraft on Merrimack River in Lowell Fourth when he apparently collided with another rider. The father of four was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. The other rider left the scene.

Authorities are seeking help from anyone who may have witnessed the fatal collision. As of today, no one has come forward.

Ortiz’s family pleaded for answers as they remembered him as a loving husband and father.

“You guys took a human being from us, a father, a son, a partner, a friend,” said Ortiz’s brother-in-law Miguel Fernandez (pictured below.) “You guys left us with pain and a lot of questions.”

Lowell police along with state and environmental police responded to the incident off Rynne Beach and pulled Ortiz from the water, who had suffered traumatic injuries. The other jet ski operator did not stop.

“We want justice. We want to know what really happened,” Fernandez said.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this difficult time.

read more