Traffic Light Installed At South LA Intersection Where Teen Was Fatally Struck Leaving Church

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A new traffic signal was installed Friday at an intersection in South Los Angeles where a teenage boy was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver last year.

Councilman Curren D. Price Jr. was joined at 9 a.m. by community and clergy members from Saint Cecilia Church to celebrate the installation of the light where 16-year-old Nathan Mota was killed.

Mota was leaving youth group on Sept. 13, 2013, when he was hit in a crosswalk at Normandie Avenue and 42nd Place, officials said.

Price worked to get the light installed reported CBS2's Adrianna Weingold.

"A real win for this neighborhood that's endured too many tragedies," he said, "Ten months ago we saw [another] promising life cut shot."

The driver, of what police believe was a white Nissan, fled the scene.

Residents in the community have been asking for a traffic light at the intersection for years.

Mota's aunt, Palencia Yaneth attended the press conference Friday announcing the new traffic light.

"His death has been the hardest thing we've ever had to endure," she said, "Nathan, we will miss you sweetheart. May you rest in peace."

Nathan's youth group wore shirts today with his likeness on them in his honor.

"He was the heart of the group that kept us all together because he was such a good role model," said Kiara Orellana, a friend.

 

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