Ileana Moreno 
Mercedes – On September 6th, David Gobellan of Mercedes was riding his bicycle home from the gym on East Mile 2 Rd when a vehicle struck him from behind. Gobellan later passed away from his injuries.
On September 11th, David’s best friend Lauren Pitts led members of the local community to gather at a city council meeting and demand wider roads with sidewalks, slower speed limits, a faster EMS system, and faster emergency response times. Members of the city council are seen walking away while Pitts takes the stand.
According to a press release from the city of Mercedes council members walked out because there was no public forum of Pitt’s concerns on the agenda. A request for improved lighting was put in the same afternoon. When asked if she believes city officials will take initiative, Pitts responded.
“They did all those things but what are they really going to do continuing on? Did they just do that as a front, you know? So, I’m hoping that it wasn’t just that. I hope it wasn’t just a front and I hope they’re really going to change the city,” said Pitts.
City officials will continue to work with members of the community to achieve the necessary changes.
“Poor street lighting is everywhere here in Mercedes you know, bad roads, narrow roads. We don’t have any bike lanes, we have crazy outrageous speed limits. All of these things come into play. I really want to light up Mercedes you know? I really want to add some bike lanes and I want people to feel safe.”
Pitts said that Justice for David will be served and that the community won’t stop until it is.
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