A Florida family is begging a hit-and-run driver to come forward after a 10-year-old girl was killed and her brother was critically injured while the siblings were riding their bikes.
The crash happened around 8:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the intersection of Northwest 117th Street and Northwest 7th Avenue in Miami-Dade County, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators believe an unknown driver made a left turn onto Northwest 117th Street and struck the two children.
First responders found both siblings lying in the roadway and rushed them to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.
The girl, identified by her family as 10-year-old Peyton, later died from her injuries.
Her brother, Brent, survived but remained in serious condition after undergoing emergency surgery.
Family members said Peyton and Brent were extremely close and were almost always together.
“They always were together. Always were together,” their aunt, Patrice, told local media.
Patrice remembered Peyton as a cheerful, energetic child who was loved by everyone around her.
“She was a cheerleader, full of life. Everybody loved her,” she said. “And now for this to happen and no one to come forward — it’s just senseless.”
By Friday, a growing memorial of candles, balloons and other tributes had appeared near the intersection where the children were struck.
Authorities have also released an image of the vehicle they believe was involved.
Investigators described it as a silver or gray Nissan Versa, believed to be a model from between 2009 and 2012.
Police and the family are now pleading with the driver, witnesses or anyone who may have security footage from the area to contact investigators.
An MDSO spokesperson urged nearby business owners to check surveillance cameras and asked anyone who may have seen the crash to speak up.
“I just hope somebody comes forward,” Patrice said. “Have a heart, please. Because this could have been anybody’s kids.”
Anyone with information can contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers anonymously at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
