The family of a Nogales firefighter injured in a hit and run crash said the decision to pull him off life support was one of the toughest decisions they had to make.

Sterling Lytle was expected to be taken off life support on Monday, but due to some complications surrounding organ donations, that was postponed until Tuesday.

Lytle's stepfather Casey Barcelo said he did not realize how many things factored into organ donation procedures.

"We have made the decision to turn off the life support tomorrow afternoon, around 3 o'clock, said Barcelo.

The 25-year old firefighter suffered massive brain injuries after being run over by a car, and even if he survived, family members said he would not be able to function.

"Sterling would not want to live like that, be a vegetable. He would be attached to a feeding tube, and not be able to function at all," sad Barcelo.

He said that the family had talked to Lytle's closest friends before making the decision.

"They are firefighters and war veterans. They have had these conversations before, and they all felt this was the best decision. It's what Sterling would have wanted," said Barcelo.

The accident took place in a parking lot near the intersection of Alvernon and Lee street, just before 3 AM on Thursday morning. Friends say Lytle and a colleague were heading home from celebrations, after a Pima Community College firefighter/paramedic graduation ceremony. Lytle was a passenger in the vehicle.

While they were driving down the Speedway and Alvernon area, friends say a car behind their vehicle was flashing its lights and honking at the vehicle Lytle was in.

Friends say they are not surprised the two firefighters pulled into a parking lot.

"They may have thought maybe this is someone who needs help, that was in his nature," said family friend Kevin Chaffee.

Police are still investigating what happened next, but friends say Lytle got out of the car and exchanged some words with the driver who had been behind them. What was said is unknown at this time. Friends say the suspect then got in his car, ran over Lytle, and fled.

Barcelo said since Thursday night, the family has been going back and forth on the decision. At one point on Friday, they thought he might make it, and changed their mind. After a surgery, neurosurgeons told them things were not looking good. That's when the family decided pulling him off life support was the best option.

The family was emotionally drained, but grateful for all the support. Since Thursday, Barcelo said hundreds of people had stopped by the University of Arizona Medical Center to visit Lytle.

He commended staff at UAMC for being so compassionate and flexible in working with the family.



Barcelo said, with the help of hospital administration, they were able to allow all the visitors to stop into the ICU, 2-3 people at a time.

These visitors were fellow firefighters, friends, former classmates and students of Lytle. He was an instructor at Pima Community College, at the Fire academy.

Nogales Fire Chief Hector Robles, who hired Lytle 7 months ago described him as a dedicated and energetic employee.

Robles said this was the first time in his 25 years that the department of 45 firefighters had faced such a tragedy.

Robles said counselors had come in to hold briefings and offer support to firefighters/paramedics who needed it. Despite their emotions, Lytle's crew was on duty on Monday, dealing with heavy storms in Nogales.

"They are sad, they are confused, and they are mad," said Robles.

Barcelo said, thank to private donations they were able to offer a $20,000 reward to anyone who could lead police to an arrest and prosecution in this case.

"It's a senseless act of violence which should not be tolerated in any society," said Barcelo.

Firefighters held a vigil in Tucson on Saturday night, while Lytle's family sat vigil at his bedside, facing the toughest decision a parent has to make.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male driving a 2005 Orange Chevy Avalanche. Family members said the color of this pick up truck is unusual. You don't see too many burnt Orange Chevy Avalanche's around.

The truck is expected to have front end damage, and appeared to be modified.

"The driver of this vehicle obviously cherished his vehicle, he made all these modifications to it," said Barcelo.

If you have any information, please call 88-CRIME or 911.

Friends also got word on Sunday that PCC plans to set up a $25,000 scholarship fund in Lytle's name, for students aspiring to be a firefighter/paramedic.