The grieving family of a 30-year-old skateboarder who was struck and killed by a police SUV in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles is speaking out as they try to come to terms with the loss.

The victim was riding his skateboard home from work when the collision occurred Friday night during a carnival at a nearby park. He was in the median of North Figueroa Street, travelling southbound, at the same time a patrol vehicle from the Los Angeles Police Department, with lights and sirens on, was travelling northbound in the median to overtake traffic.

His mother described him as a “great son, brother, uncle,” and friends remembered his ever-present smile and how well he connected with his community. The family wants accountability for the death, asking why the officers were travelling through the median at speed when other options may have been available.

Police say their investigation is ongoing. The officer involved was not reported to have been driving at what officials classified as an excessive speed, however the final report will determine exact circumstances including speed and other factors.