WATCH LIVE: Vigil held for kindergartner killed in Orlando hit-and-run crash

1 year ago 375

Aiyanna McCoy to be honored during vigil starting at 6:30 p.m.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A vigil is scheduled for Wednesday evening to honor a 5-year-old girl who was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Orlando over the weekend.

The vigil is set to take place at 6:30 p.m. at 4340 N. Orange Blossom Trail in honor of the girl, identified as Aiyanna McCoy.

Aiyanna McCoy and her family were struck Saturday night by a silver Mercedes while they were in the Uber, a Nissan Pathfinder, on North Orange Blossom Trail near Ace Road in Orange County.

According to the statement released by East Law of Florida, Aiyanna was a “vibrant kindergartner” and had a “joyous spirit, love for dance, singing and gymnastics.”

Her mother said that Aiyanna attended Orange Center Elementary School in Orlando, and she loved to dance, sing and perform gymnastics.

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“The family is devastated by the loss of their beloved (Aiyanna) and is seeking prayer and justice in this tragic case. They call upon the community to come forward with any information that could lead to the apprehension of the driver responsible for (Aiyanna’s) untimely death,” the statement reads in part.

According to the Orlando Police Department, the silver Mercedes became inoperable after the crash, and the driver ran away before being picked up by another vehicle. The make and model of that vehicle are unknown.

Aiyanna was taken to a hospital, where she died. Aiyanna’s aunt, 26, suffered “significant injuries” but was expected to survive. Aiyanna’s two sisters, ages 4 and 9, suffered minor injuries, police said. The Uber driver, a 54-year-old man, was not injured.

Aiyanna’s mother, who said she’s not ready to comment publicly about her daughter’s death, was not in the vehicle.

“Our hearts go out to (Aiyanna’s) family during this unimaginably difficult time. We are committed to pursuing justice for (Aiyanna) and her loved ones. We urge anyone with information about the hit-and-run incident to come forward and assist law enforcement in their efforts to bring the responsible party to justice,” Isaac East, the family’s attorney, said in a statement.

Orange County Public Schools set up a memorial fund to help cover medical expenses for the family and the cost of the funeral for the girl. To donate, click here.

Anyone with information in the hit-and-run is asked to call 911 or Crimeline at 800-923-TIPS.

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About the Authors:

Brenda Argueta

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She graduated from UCF and returned to Central Florida after working in Colorado.