Family and friends gathered at Gwen Cherry Park to remember 10-year-old Payton Williams, whose life was cut short in a hit-and-run crash in northwest Miami-Dade earlier this month.
Payton was riding an e-bike with her 15-year-old brother, Brent, near Northwest 117th Street and Northwest 7th Avenue on Sept. 9 when they were struck by a vehicle. Both children were thrown from the bike and seriously injured. Payton later died at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, while Brent remained hospitalized with critical injuries.
Brent has since returned home to continue his recovery, bringing some relief to a family still grieving the loss of Payton.
The memorial at Gwen Cherry Park brought relatives, friends and community members together for a final tribute. Many mourners wore custom T-shirts in Payton’s memory and gathered around her custom casket as they remembered the young cheerleader.
“She would have been happy about all this,” Payton’s cousin Chasity Smith said, reflecting on the support shown by the community.
The case also moved forward after investigators identified and arrested the driver. Arick Metayer, 33, surrendered to Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office detectives on Sept. 28, nearly three weeks after the crash.
Metayer faces felony charges that include leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury and tampering with physical evidence. His bond was set at $165,000.
Investigators allege Metayer was driving a silver 2012 Nissan Versa when he turned onto Northwest 117th Street and struck the siblings. Authorities said the driver did not stop to provide assistance and left the area.
Surveillance footage later became part of the investigation. According to investigators, the driver stopped a short distance from the crash, got out of the vehicle and examined the damage before leaving.
The arrest came after detectives traced evidence connected to the vehicle. Investigators also alleged that damaged parts of the Nissan had been replaced after the crash.
For Payton’s family, however, the arrest is only one part of a much larger loss.
“Just numb. It’s a numb situation cause it’s unbelievable,” cousin Javon Wiggins said while remembering Payton and Brent. “Just kids. 15 and 10 years old.”
Smith said the family is grateful for the people who have stood beside them during the difficult weeks following the crash.
The family’s remembrance activities are continuing as loved ones prepare for Payton’s funeral services. A block party is also planned as part of the celebration of her life.
As relatives say goodbye to Payton, Brent continues recovering at home while the criminal case against Metayer moves forward.
