After a run of hard luck, including a stroke that left him unable to drive a car, Jay Edelstein was on the comeback trail, according to those who knew him well.

"He was finally in a good place. He was happy," said Karen Tarte, a friend of many years.

Edelstein, 57, was walking in the driveway of the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek when he was struck from behind by a car at about 6 a.m. Thursday, according to Coconut Creek police. Taken to Broward Health North with severe head and leg trauma, Edelstein died from his injuries at about 2:20 p.m. Saturday, investigators said.

The driver of the car fled the casino, at 5550 NW 40th Ave. Later that day, a gray 2003 Toyota Corolla, which police think may be connected to the crash, was found in North Lauderdale. Though a suspect has been identified, police have not released the person's name.

Mitch Edelstein said he saw his brother the day before he was hit.

"He had just moved to a new apartment that day, and he was so happy," he said. "That day was one of the best days he's had in a long time, and he was so excited to tell everybody. I imagine the last thing in his head were happy thoughts."

Jay Edelstein, the former owner of a Fort Lauderdale business that installed insulation, used the Seminole Casino as his social club, according to his friend, Tarte.

Although he did not drink, Jay Edelstein was a regular at a small casino bar where he sat and chatted with friends over a cup of coffee, Tarte said. "He loved the casino; it was his home, his friends, and his life," said Tarte, of Hollywood.

A group of his friends planned to gather at the casino Sunday to take part in a memorial tribute, she said.

In addition to Mitch Edelstein, of Boynton Beach, Jay Edelstein's survivors include a sister, Sheryl DiDomenico, of New Jersey.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it