By Sam Stanton
sstanton@sacbee.com
A memorial service for Harison Long-Randall, the 21-year-old man who died after being cut down last month by a hit and run driver in Carmichael, will be held Saturday a few miles from the site of the crash.
The service will begin at 1 p.m. at Arcade Church, 3927 Marconi Ave.
Long-Randall died July 29, two weeks after he was struck in a crosswalk at Garfield and Engle Road while walking with his girlfriend, 23-year-old Gemily West, and her four dogs.
The dogs were killed and West was seriously injured but later was released from a hospital and is recovering at her Carmichael home.
Long-Randall stepped in front of her to take the brunt of the impact and lost his leg at the scene. He later died from what the coroner classified as complications of multiple blunt force trauma.
Authorities arrested a suspect in the case a few days after the incident. Paul William Walden, 31, is being held in the Sacramento County Jail on charges that include hit-and-run, cruelty to animals and driving under the influence.
Walden, who has a criminal history that includes three previous DUI arrests, was driving on a suspended license at the time of his arrest and was under the influence of drugs, according to the California Highway Patrol.
District Attorney Jan Scully's office is reviewing whether to file additional charges as a result of Long-Randall's death.
Walden's next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 29.
The incident sparked an outpouring from readers nationwide, and a fund organized by The Bee for the victims raised more than $46,000 in contributions ranging from a few dollars to $10,000 donated by the Greater Sacramento New Car Dealers Association.
The family is exploring the idea of creating a foundation that would help victims of other crimes and suggests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Harison Long-Randall Memorial Fund in care of Bank of the West, 1112 Galleria Blvd #170, Roseville CA 95678. Donations also can be made through Paypal at harisonrandallmemorialfund@gmail.com
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