DENVER — Denver Police are still searching for the driver responsible for hitting and killing a person on a moped just after midnight Nov. 18 in the Highlands neighborhood.
Blue Pan Pizza co-owner Giles Flanagin said the victim was Nick Cordova, one of his longest-tenured employees and friends. Cordova was riding home from work when he was killed, Flanagin said.
"I feel awful, like having a hard time focusing and keeping everything together," Flanagin said. "Nick was a one-of-a-kind person with a very gracious and big heart, so I think what we want to try to do is try to remember the good things given the horrible circumstances, as hard as that is."
"Nick cared about the team and the restaurant, in my opinion, maybe more than himself," he said. "He was a great friend to everyone. He was always there for everyone. I just feel so bad for my team and of course I feel so bad that my friend lost his life in that manner. It's awful."
The crash happened just after midnight Nov. 18 in the area of Speer Boulevard and Grove Street, about a half mile from the restaurant.
Police said the other driver, someone in a white SUV, took off. Police said on Nov. 27 that they believe the vehicle is a white 2002-09 Chevy Trailblazer. It has front end damage and is missing the front bumper, police said.
The SUV driver was last seen heading southbound through the North Grove/Hooker Street Alley toward West 29th Avenue.
Employees from Blue Pan printed out flyers, trying to help find the person responsible.
"Things will not be the same without Nick," Flanagin said. "I think knowing that the person who killed our friend could be held accountable would just provide us all with comfort."
Comfort will be hard to come by this holiday, but Cordova's restaurant family hopes answers won't be.
"If anybody has any information at all, please call Denver Police or Crime Stoppers," Flanagin said. "Please report it. We'd be so grateful. "
For anyone planning to visit any of the Blue Pan locations in the coming days, Flanagin asked that customers give his staff some grace. He said they're going through a hard time right now and doing the best they can.
He said they do plan to honor Cordova in some way in the near future.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 or visit metrodenvercrimestoppers.com. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
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