Adelaide FBI fugitive: Andrea Chan Reyes ‘robbed girl of father’ who died in hit-run, his family claim

A cyclist allegedly killed by an American businesswoman in a hit-run before she fled to Adelaide, where she was caught by the FBI, spent his last day celebrating with his relatives and infant daughter, his family has revealed.

The crash site in Los Angeles where cyclist Agustin Rodriguez Jr died in January 2017. Picture: KABC

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A cyclist allegedly killed by an American businesswoman in a hit-run before she fled to Adelaide, where she was caught by the FBI, spent his last day celebrating with his relatives and infant daughter, his family has revealed.

Andrea Dorothy Chan Reyes, 33, is accused of fleeing Los Angeles almost two years ago after allegedly mowing down father of four Agustin Rodriguez Jr, 46.

The Advertiser last month revealed how the Federal Bureau of Investigation tracked Reyes to the northern suburbs, where she was arrested, and taken into custody, in April.

Andrea Dorothy Chan Reyes is accused of fleeing Los Angeles, where authorities want her to face court for charges including vehicular manslaughter. Picture: FBI

The Filipino-born financial analyst, controller and fraud auditor was living secretly with her new Australian boyfriend, Paul Blair, 38, at Paralowie, before the Australian Federal Police arrested her.

The victim’s family has revealed his final moments before he was left to die in the middle of a suburban street, at Whittier, in LA’s inner southeast 7.32am on January 30, 2017.

He had been riding his BMX bike to his retired father’s house 10 minutes away.

The pair was due to drive to his new warehouse job, where he worked to support his main love – his family.

Known as Tin Tin or Tin, he was celebrating his father’s retirement with his large extended family the day before.

“He was very happy to have finally had a baby girl who he adored,” said best friend of the past 30 years, Jennifer Foot, 48, of Whittier.

Jennifer Foot and her best friend Agustin Rodriguez Jr. Picture: supplied by family

A vigil for Mr Rodriguez.

“It’s a shame that his new daughter won’t be able to meet what an amazing dad she could have had.

“We had a great day but who knew that would be the last time we see him?

“When we parted … he gave me a huge hug and a kiss and told me ‘I love you sweetie call me later so we can hang out and don’t forget’. He was so happy at the party because all the family was there.”

Ms Foot, whose aunt is married to Mr Rodriguez’s brother, said his then two-year-old daughter was his life.

“He was such a good man who would help anyone, he had a great heart,” she said.

“Every single day he is missed.”

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But as his family continues the fight for justice, they have been hit by further tragedy – his partner is in a coma after trying to take her life while his young daughter is in relatives’ care.

Chan Reyes, who lived less than 2km from the crash site, is next week due to apply for bail from Adelaide Women’s Prison ahead of an extradition fight.

US authorities want the Adelaide Magistrates Court to allow her to return to LA to face a US District Court jury on charges including vehicular manslaughter, hit-run driving resulting in death and destroying or concealing evidence.

Mr Blair refused to comment but threatened The Advertiser with legal action.

Her lawyers also refused comment.