WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — WPTV has learned that the family of Samuel "Sammy" Rodriguez is working to expedite the Marine veteran's funeral so it will be held on his birthday.
WPTV News anchor and Navy veteran Mike Trim worked with WPTV reporter Zitlali Solache to connect the family with the South Florida National Cemetery.
The 24-year-old Marine veteran was killed in a crash on Interstate 95 last Friday near Congress Avenue.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers said Rodriguez was standing by his car in the middle lane when he was struck by a vehicle. His family told Trim that they believe the car was having issues, which led Rodriguez to exit his vehicle.
The family said the driver who struck Rodriguez stayed at the scene.
An FHP investigation is ongoing.
Trim talked with the director of the South Florida National Cemetery in western Palm Beach County to see if Rodriguez could be buried on Monday. The cemetery talked with the family and now it will happen.
Any honorably discharged veteran can be buried at the cemetery at no cost.
With the family's permission, Trim also reached out to local veteran groups that will be in attendance at the funeral to pay tribute.
The funeral is not open to the public.
