An L.A. County sheriff’s deputy recruit struck by a wrong-way driver while out on a training run died Friday night after spending the last eight months in the hospital.

Alejandro Martinez, 27, died shortly before 7 p.m. at UCLA Ronald Reagan hospital surrounded by his family, friends, Sheriff Robert Luna, and other department members, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

He had been out during an academy training run last year on the morning of Nov. 16 when an SUV veered into the wrong lane and crashed into the formation.

“Our condolences go out to Alejandro’s family, friends, and academy classmates. He will forever live in our hearts & never be forgotten,” the sheriff’s statement said.

[How horrible that was and this result is just insult on injury. The driver was arrested on “attempted murder of police officer” charges, but – being LA and all – was released the next day. He was on his way to work and “fell asleep at the wheel,” his lawyer claimed, besides the usual, “good kid.” ~ Beege]