STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Pedro Huerta, a dedicated kitchen worker at O’Neill’s Restaurant in Port Richmond, is fighting for his life following a tragic car accident in early March.

According to O’Neill’s owner, Mike Regan, Huerta was struck by a car while legally crossing at the intersection of Forest and Crystal avenues on his way to work.

The impact left him with multiple rib and back fractures and internal bleeding, Regan said, and he was taken to Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton.

Regan shared that the family can certainly use prayers as Huerta, a devout Roman Catholic, is suffering from multiple complications. The situation is truly dire, he said.

Huerta’s dedication to the North Shore community has been widely appreciated.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he prepped and delivered meals to homebound veterans, a program organized with other colleagues. He also serves as a face of the restaurant’s various charitable endeavors.

Most importantly, Regan emphasized, Huerta is a beloved part of the restaurant’s staff. The driver responsible for the accident was not properly insured, leaving Pedro’s family with mounting medical bills, Regan said.

“Pedro has been a vital part of the restaurant industry since he was 15, starting as a busboy and working his way up to become a talented chef,” Regan said.

His colleagues have set up a GoFundMe to help his family with mounting medical expenses.

The GoFundMe page says he was on his way to work at O’Neill’s when the accident occurred and he’s been employed as a chef there for over 10 years.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance/Silive.com Food Editor. She can be reached at .