GILBERT, Ariz. — A Mesa man was hit and killed by a car while helping an injured driver on the side of Interstate 10 Sunday morning.
Family and friends identified him as Ghery Fimbres— a husband, father and musician.
"It's a pretty dark day here at the Conservatory," Kirt Hamm, a friend, told 12News.
Hamm worked alongside Fimbres at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Gilbert for more than two decades.
Fimbres graduated from the Conservatory and went on to work at some of Hollywood's largest recording studios before coming back to the Valley where he taught and recruited students at the school.
“He was very active with those students and felt like each one of them had a piece of him," Hamm said. "He loved keeping in touch with them and seeing their successes. It fueled his fire."
Hamm said Fimbres was a family man who was always the first person to help others in need.
"He's that guy," Hamm said. "All around just a special guy."
That's why Hamm isn't surprised that his friend's final act was one of kindness.
"I know him. He saw it, didn't bat an eye, pulled over, got out to help," Hamm said.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety said Fimbres pulled over to help an ambulance driver who rolled over on I-10 after possibly falling asleep behind the wheel.
Another car came up behind them, struck the ambulance and killed Fimbres.
DPS said impairment could be a factor in the crash.
Fimbres leaves behind a wife, two sons and his parents.
"He makes everybody's life better. He's one of those people that push you, that draw out the best in you," Hamm said.
That's exactly how Hamm said his friend will be remembered by the people who were lucky enough to know him.
"Being around him made you better," Hamm said. "I think that's his legacy that he wanted everyone to be at their best, and he would help try to give you guidance, not in a 'do this' way, not in a finger wag way, but in a way of leadership."
Friends created a GoFundMe page to help the Fimbres family pay for funeral expenses. Anyone who wishes to donate can do so here.
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