A longtime Downtown Phoenix Inc. ambassador receives great support after being hit by a drunk driver while cycling last week.
Downtown Phoenix Ambassador and outstanding parishioner Hans Hughes was riding his bike home from work late Friday night when he was hit by a drunk driver near First and Fillmore Streets, Phoenix police confirmed. Hughes suffered serious injuries.
Hughes is in stable condition with injuries to his head and chest at the Banner University medical center, an update from family and friends announced on Monday. Police say the driver was charged with drinking under the influence of alcohol, but the driver’s identity is currently unknown.
Hughes has worked downtown for the past 12 years and quickly became a popular and highly respected member of the community, Hughes’ good friend Lauren Potter told The Arizona Republic.
Potter said she met Hughes in 2015. Potter was new to the area and Hughes took the crowd on an art tour they were taking. Potter recalls that Hughes’ tall stature, baritone voice, and signature orange ambassador t-shirt caught her immediate attention.
While they were talking, Potter said that she noticed “a warmth in him” that Hughes was “so friendly and approachable … (he) made sure downtown wasn’t that intimidating.” A year later, Potter and Hughes began working together at Downtown Phoenix Inc. The two stayed in contact even after Potter left the company in 2020.
Upon hearing the news of the accident, Potter said she felt there was nothing she could do, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when Banner Health in Maricopa County only allows one visitor per patient per day.After speaking to Hughes ‘parents and sister, Potter took on the task of starting a GoFundMe page on Hughes’ behalf.
“If I could use my abilities to help in any way, I would feel better,” Potter said.
It turns out Potter wasn’t alone in finding a way to help Hughes on his way to recovery.
As of August 25, GoFundMe Help Hans Heal has raised $ 26,847 and has been shared more than 1,300 times online.
“Our original GoFundMe target was $ 8,000,” said Potter. “We exceeded that twice.”
Downtown Phoenix Inc. shared the news of Hughes’ hospital stay on his Instagram account, where he received messages of love and support. In addition to wanting a speedy recovery, many people shared memories of Hughes, the everyday encounters, and the special little connections he made in the process brightened their lives.
The comments below make it clear how special Hughes is to the community. Business owners, tourists and city dwellers alike revere Hughes. Some have called it a “jewel” and a “downtown decor”.
Potter said Hughes was a kind face to people all over downtown Phoenix. He’s “just so personable and nice. He’s very present and so concerned that people downtown feel safe and welcome. He’s just so passionate about it,” she said.
“(Hughes) serves everyone else and now it is time for his fellowship to come together for him,” said Potter.
Potter says the Hughes family will continue to raise funds for Hughes’ recovery pending medical bills, living expenses, and potential legal fees.
You can reach Breaking News reporter Athena Ankrah at athena.ankrah@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @AthenaAnkrah.
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