A 10-year-old girl was killed and her older brother was critically injured after a vehicle struck them while they were riding an e-bike in northwest Miami-Dade, authorities said.
The crash happened around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday near Northwest 117th Street and Northwest 7th Avenue. Deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office responded after receiving reports of a hit-and-run and found the two children in the roadway, according to the preliminary investigation.
Both victims were taken to a Miami-area hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. The girl later died from her injuries, while her brother remained in critical condition Thursday.
The girl was identified by the Gwen Cherry Bulls, a local youth sports organization, as Peyton. The organization said she was a cheerleader and mourned her death in a message to the community.
The siblings had been riding together earlier in the day, according to a friend of the boy who spoke about the children following the crash.
Investigators said the vehicle was traveling north on Northwest 7th Avenue before turning left onto Northwest 117th Street, where it struck the children. The driver did not remain at the scene.
Authorities are looking for a silver or gray 2009-2012 Nissan Versa believed to be connected to the crash.
A memorial has since appeared at the intersection, where flowers, candles and a pink teddy bear were placed in memory of Peyton.
Residents in the area expressed concern after seeing the large police response following the crash. One neighbor, Jeannette Lange, said the incident was especially upsetting because children were involved and called for the driver to be found.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is handling the investigation. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect.
Anyone who may have information about the crash or the vehicle involved is asked to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477). A tip that leads to an arrest could qualify for a reward of up to $5,000, according to the sheriff’s office.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to identify the driver involved in the fatal hit-and-run.
