On Aug. 1, Mark James Baldus, 53, of Newhall was struck and killed by an SUV while walking or running on the 110 freeway off ramp in south Los Angeles, authorities said.

Baldus died of multiple blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to officials with the LA County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.

“Mark was always a true brother, a true friend, a true boilermaker,” said Erik Estrada, Baldus’ friend.

The Baldus family is set to host a “Celebration of Life” gathering on Sat. Aug. 25 from 10 to 2 p.m.

The gathering is scheduled to take place at Rice Mortuary in Torrance located at 5310 Torrance Blvd.

Baldus’ family and friends are also planning a “very special paddle out ceremony” to honor Mark’s love and passion for surfing and the ocean.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sun. Aug. 26 at 7 a.m. in Manhattan Beach. Those wishing to attend can meet up with the family at El Porto on Vista Del Mar and 45th Street.

In addition to ceremonies celebrating Baldus’ life, friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe page in order to support the children he’s left behind.

Related: Newhall Man Killed On 110 Freeway Off-Ramp

“He leaves behind a wife and daughter who will need our help for the long haul,” said Estrada on the GoFundMe page he created, which has raised more than $17,000 for the Baldus family.

Baldus was struck by a 1995 Jeep that was exiting the northbound 110 freeway at Gage Avenue around 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 1, California Highway Patrol Officer A. Elliott said.

The driver of the Jeep called law enforcement officials, informed them of the accident and stayed at the scene, according to officials.

The off ramp was shut down from 10:30 p.m. to 12:46 a.m. for the investigation, but further investigations are expected to continue into the reason why Baldus was walking or running on the ramp, Elliott said.

“You will forever be missed and will always be loved Mark, may you rest in peace,” said Estrada.

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