Family of woman killed while saving her kids speaks out

JUNIATA (WPVI) -- The family of a woman who was killed saving her children from an out-of-control driver in Port Richmond last weekend is speaking out.

Rosa Lydia Rojas was crossing Aramingo Avenue with her two children when a driver jumped the sidewalk.

She pushed her two children, 9-year-old Leani and 7-year-old Jadiyn out of the way, but, tragically, she was struck and killed.

Seven-year-old Jaidyn Serrano arrived at the 24th police district surrounded by family and friends Saturday.

His father says he endured two surgeries, a fractured skull and pins placed in his knee, ankle and wrist before being released from the hospital on Thursday.

When Jaidyn was asked what was the first thing he did when he got home? He said, "Laid in the bed."

But he's come here with a very special message for the police officers who helped him and his sister.

"Thank you for saving me," Jaidyn said.

Jaidyn's dad, Jose Serrano said, "Today I finally meet everybody who did it for my son. Shake hands and congratulate them for saving my son."

Jaidyn's mother, Rosa Lydia Rojas, was killed on June 10 near Aramingo Avenue and Tioga Street as she stood with Jaidyn and his sister, Leani when an SUV jumped the curb where they were standing.

Police say Rojas protected her children from the vehicle, but she was struck, and died from her injures. The driver of the vehicle, Ryan McHugh, has been charged with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence and other crimes.

One week later, Rosa's children gave plaques to the responding officers, thanking them for their help that night.

"Just did what any of us would do. Immediately start first aid," Philadelphia Police Officer Jason Metzger said.

Philadelphia Police Officer Michael Hanuscin added, "When we actually get to help somebody during the day and their family appreciates our help it helps us a lot. It makes us want to come out here and do our job because we treat strangers on the street like they're our family.

After the ceremony, the kids got a mini tour of the police district and they got to meet one of the K9 officers, Jake.

"These are great officers. They show they are here for us. I don't know what else I can give them because they deserve more," Rosa's father Eugenio Rojas said.

The family says this thank you provides them with a little light as they prepare for Rosa's funeral on Monday.

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