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Soldier Killed in Hit-and-Run Laid to Rest

CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP — A soldier, killed in a hit-and-run crash in Texas, was laid to rest in Monroe County, as his family continues to look for answers....

CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP -- A soldier, killed in a hit-and-run crash in Texas, was laid to rest in Monroe County, as his family continues to look for answers.

Sergeant Derek Pagan was killed two weeks ago in Austin, while walking home from a concert early on a Sunday morning. No arrests have been made in connection with the deadly hit-and-run.

Pagan's mother, Lynn, and his sister, Laura, stood in shock at Derek's funeral near Brodheadsville, not thinking something like this would happen while Derek was serving at Fort Hood in Texas.

"He would have been a great uncle had he gotten to come home," said Laura Pagan, sister.

The loss is just as hard for Pagan's fellow men and women in uniform. A dozen soldiers from Germany, New York and Texas made their way to the Poconos for the ceremony, including Pagan's commander.

"He was going places," said Cpt. Katie Steele, commander. "He was motivated, he was knowledgeable. He was just an outstanding soldier."

Sergeant Pagan's family says the biggest thing now is finding justice for the Kunkletown area native.

"We won't have closure until justice is found," said Lynn Pagan, mother. "Until the last breath in my life."

Lynn Pagan adds that she refuses to let what happened to her son become just another cold case.

"He deserves [closure,]" Pagan added. "He was well-loved by everyone that's known him. He's touched everyone's lives."

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