10-year-old girl on e-bike dies, her brother critically injured after hit-and-run crash in Miami-Dade, MDSO says
An investigation is underway in Northwest Miami-Dade after deputies say a 10-year-old girl was killed, and a boy was critically injured when a hit-and-run driver crashed into them while they were riding an e-bike on Wednesday night.
According to information provided to CBS News Miami, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to reports of the hit-and-run crash in the area of Northwest 117th Street and Northwest 7th Avenue around 8:40 p.m.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they said they found the victims, a boy and a girl, lying in the middle of the road and were unresponsive.
Members of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene and rushed the victims to a Miami hospital, where the girl later died. The boy, who the family says is the girl's older brother, had been listed in critical condition as of Thursday.
The Gwen Cherry Bulls, a local youth organization, identified the girl as Peyton, describing her as a cheerleader. "It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share the news of a devastating loss within our community," the organization said. "Last night, we lost a beautiful angel, our beloved cheerleader, Peyton."
A friend of the boy said the two had been riding together earlier in the day before the boy went home.
"It's sad, because you can just be riding with someone and then something happens so quickly," said JahJah, identified as a bike rider who knew the children.
According to the preliminary investigation, deputies said the driver was headed north on Northwest 7th Avenue and made a left onto Northwest 117th Street and hit the two victims while they were riding an e-bike.
Neighbor Jeannette Lange said she saw a large police presence near her front door and was upset about the incident.
"With kids, man, this is very bad," Lange said. "I think police should find the people who did that. You know that's not fair. That's not fair."
The Gwen Cherry Bulls organization shared photos and video of Peyton with CBS News Miami.
Meanwhile, friends and family continue to add to a growing memorial at the crash site, leaving flowers, stuffed animals and balloons to honor the children. The memorial now includes a billboard truck as well.
"I feel like it isn't real. Why her out of all people?" said Peyton's cousin, Willow Gabriel. Gabriel spoke to CBS News Miami on Saturday with permission from her family. She came with other family members to the memorial.
"I feel bad for everyone out here because we're not supposed to be out here," Willow said. "They did them wrong. They did them dirty."
A neighbor named Wade said he saw the aftermath of the incident.
"Just a lot of people in shock. And people said 'call 911'. It was real tough to see," he said.
Gabriel and the rest of the family urged the suspect to come forward. So did Wade, the neighbor.
"You gonna live with guilt for the rest of your life. You don't wanna live with guilt. The right thing to do is be honest so the family can have closure," Wade said.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said that as of Friday, they are still searching for the vehicle that struck the children and fled the scene.
Deputies said they were searching for a 2009-2012 Nissan Versa that's silver or grey in color.
The MDSO Traffic Homicide Unit has since taken over the investigation, and anyone with information about the fatal incident should call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
If a tip is received and it leads to the arrest of a suspect or suspects, the tipster may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000, the MDSO said.