Michael Zarba, the 23-year-old Grove Street resident struck on Boston Street by a hit-and-run driver May 8 died Wednesday night.

Philip Zarba said his son was declared clinically brain dead at Massachusetts General Hospital at 11:34 p.m.

Michael Zarba is an organ donor, and for the purposes of carrying out his wishes, was listed in critical condition by a hospital spokeswoman as of 9 a.m. Thursday.

Hospital spokeswoman Danita Boddie explained that bodily functions are sustained after the declaration of brain death in order to make sure any organs donated remain functioning.

Zarba's sister, Krystina Tejeda, informed The Item by e-mail Thursday morning that her brother died at Massachusetts General Hospital shortly after 11:30 p.m. Tejeda on Tuesday said her brother had opened his eyes and undergone operations to fix broken bones. Family members hoped for early signs of his recovery but Rose Zarba said her grandson "took a turn for the worse" on Wednesday. She said her grandson's loved ones, including his mother, were at his bedside.

Zarba was struck on a busy, curving section of Boston Street near Mall Street at 6:38 a.m. May 8 as he crossed the street to take a bus to his job at the Salem Home Depot.
Police are seeking the driver of a brown or gold Honda or Toyota sedan. Any information on the driver and car can be given to Police Sgt. Edward Shinnick, 781-477-4376. Police said the car was headed east on Boston Street and probably sustained heavy front end damage.

"I just wish they would catch the guy who did it," Philip Zarba said Thursday morning