Funeral for man killed by DUI suspect while trying to help after Atwater crash

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- A family and community came together Wednesday to honor a loved one who died while trying to help a stranger in need.

Community members packed the funeral of 28-year-old Abraham Bustos Guzman, who police say was killed by a drunk driver while stopping to help others.

The funeral was held at Sacred Hearts Church in Merced Wednesday morning.

For many in attendance, he was not related through blood but through a shared call to serve.

"All he ever wanted to do was serve and that's what he was trying to do but unfortunately he lost his live trying to do it," said Sgt. Mark Jenkins of the Merced Police Department

In the early morning hours of March 16, Bustos pulled over to help a driver who had crashed on Highway 99 near Atwater. Another driver then struck and killed him.

RELATED: Good Samaritan killed by DUI suspect while trying to help after crash near Atwater: CHP

CHP says both drivers were under the influence.

Abraham was an advisor to the Explorers of the Merced Police Department and was about to become a reserve officer for the Gustine Police Department.

"Just to see the amount of people that came by really shows how connected law enforcement is altogether when they lose someone," said Abraham's brother, Braulio Bustos.

The white casket carrying Abraham's body was saluted as it was carried out of the church.

A procession took him down the road to his final resting place.

The closing of the casket was one final farewell to the man called to serve, who's final act of service called him home.

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