Vigil memorializes victims of Clovis crash

FRESNO, Calif.

Clovis police say they died early Sunday morning after being hit by 29-year-old Larry Garcia, who is suspected of driving drunk when he ran a red light at Barstow and Minnewawa.

On Monday night, the intersection was packed full of friends and family members, including Keith Smith's three children.

As his twelve year old son shared memories of his father, he looked right into our camera and asked that people stop drinking and driving.

"He was in the Marines and he was a sniper and that's how I got my name, Gunner," Gunner Smith said. "I knew that he loved me a lot."

To 12-year-old Gunner, 15-year-old Kelsey, and 16-year-old Alissa, Keith Smith was dad.

But others here described a good friend with a great smile.

"I would have a bad day and I come in and I would say, Keith, its been a bad day and he would just look at me and smile. And I would say that brightened my whole day. He's one of a kind," Dan Brown said.

Smith died Sunday as he and his girlfriend, Jessica Matthes, drove home from work at the City Lights club.

Smith worked there as a bouncer and bartender and Jessica worked there during weekends and had another full time job in Sacramento.

The couple was building a life in Clovis together when tragedy struck.

Family and friends say the size of the crowd speaks volumes about Smith and the many lives he touched.

But as they grieved Monday, there was also a bit of anger.

The drunk driving suspect, 29-year-old Larry Garcia bailed out of jail Monday afternoon, a day and a half after the crash.

For others who are out celebrating this holiday season, Gunner had a message: "Please don't drink and drive, people. It will just take away other people's lives- and maybe yours."

For those who gathered at the intersection Monday, the consequences of drinking and driving have never been more clear.

Larry Garcia is facing charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter and is due in court later this month.

As for the Smith family, they're now making funeral arrangements and asking for your help:
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Funeral Services for Keith Smith:

Viewing: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1- Boice Funeral Home, Clovis

Funeral: 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2- Boice Funeral Home, Clovis

Donations can be dropped off at The Bar, City Lights, and Kimmie's Tavern in Clovis.

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