Fiancee of jogger killed in hit-and-run speaks at runner's safety workshop

WORCESTER, Mass. — A way to heal while helping others stay safe.

The fiancee of a Sutton jogger killed in a hit-and-run two months ago spoke at a runner's safety event on Thursday night to help prevent others from facing the same fate as her partner.

Daniel De Lima was a beloved psychologist and avid runner. During the summer, he was out for one of his regular runs, but this time exploring new routes when he was struck and killed.

Now, Junea Bicalho, is determined to keep other runners safe while doing what they love.

"He was like a wonderful person, he was just like a beautiful soul and human being," said Bicalho. "He would be proud of me, but it’s just so hard not having him here."

At the Greendale YMCA, two other runners who recently survived after being hit by cars shared their experiences.

"[I] broke my shoulder and rib, and I got about 18 stitches," said one runner.

The joggers offered running tips such as wearing bright colors, carrying an ID in case of a crash and letting someone know where you're going and when you plan on coming back.

"He was doing everything right," said Bicalho. "He was running against traffic and someone came to the other side of the road."

Bicalho, a runner herself, has not been able to run since the crash that took the love of her life. However, she hopes to be able to start again - for herself and for De Lima.

"I lost the love of my life," said Bicalho. "No one deserves to receive this news. No one."

During Thursday night's event, Bicalho made a point to highlight how what happened to De Lima was not an accident, but a preventable crash. At the same time she's urging runners to be safe and stay alert, Bicalho also wants drivers to do their part in keeping runners safe.

>> MORE: Memorial service held for jogger killed in hit-and-run

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