Pizza Vendor's Stand Destroyed In Car Crash; Community Rallies

ECHO PARK, CA — Nicolas Valerio-Rodríguez, owner of Nico's Pizza, was baking a fresh pie on Sunset Boulevard and Grand Avenue like any normal Saturday when it happened. Out of nowhere, a speeding car crashed into his trailer, destroying his car and seriously injuring his stepson.

Nico's stepson was taken to the hospital, along with another bystander who was injured in the crash. Fortunately, Nico himself wasn't injured, but his son suffered a concussion along with intense body pain from the accident.

Although his oven was salvageable, Nico was forced to shutter his business for the time being as his trailer and car were totaled in the wreck.

"As you all now may know we will not be operating until further notice," he wrote. "We are trying our best to gather our resources and get back to serving you Nicos pizza. Please visit my GOFundMe link in our bio. Anything Helps. We appreciate all your support and help."

In response to the tragedy, a neighbor organized a GoFundMe to help Nico get back on his feet. As of December 30, the donations hub had brought in over $19,000 on the way to its goal of $65,000.

"He put his entire life savings into this mobile business and now in a flash, it’s gone," reads the GoFundMe page. "He’s just so thankful his son is alive."

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