Vigil planned for well-known ‘Walking Man’ killed in hit-and-run

Many Palm Springs residents are grieving the loss of Ricardo Marano, a beloved community figure known as “The Walking Man,” who was identified as the man killed in a hit-and-run crash on Jan. 18.

Marano, 56, was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene near the 1000 block of East Vista Chino around 3:30 a.m., according to the Palm Springs Police Department. The Riverside County Coroner identified him Jan. 21.

Police served a search warrant in Thousand Palms on Jan. 20 and recovered a black 2005 Chevrolet Silverado believed to be involved in the incident, Capt. Gustavo Araiza said. No arrests have been made, and investigators are working to identify the driver.

Marano was a familiar sight to Palm Springs residents — a tall, thin, tanned man frequently seen walking throughout the city at all hours and in all weather. Many locals knew him by nicknames including “Tan Jesus,” “Walking Jesus,” or simply “Jesus.”

Gina Garcia, a close friend of Marano’s, said she learned of his death Jan. 21 and shared the news on social media. She said Marano was kind, charming and funny, with a great smile and beautiful eyes.

“He was a true blessing in all his many ways,” Garcia wrote. “Our life is different without him.”

Garcia said she and her partner shared meals, conversations and walks with Marano. She noted that while some people assumed he was homeless, hungry or thirsty, he was not.

“It won’t be the same not seeing him walking all over town,” Garcia wrote.

A community vigil is planned for this Sunday, Feb., at 11 a.m. Participants are asked to gather between 351 and 353 North Hermosa Street and walk to Ruth Hardy Park, where they can share stories, light candles and lay flowers in Marano’s memory.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Palm Springs Police Department Traffic Division at 760-323-8125.

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