On Saturday night, December 4, 2023, a tragic incident took place near the intersection of Woodman Drive and Burkhardt Road in Dayton, Ohio. A 14-year-old girl, Brianna McCarthy, was struck by a car while crossing the street with her friend. The driver of the car did not stop and fled the scene, leaving Brianna critically injured on the road.
Brianna was rushed to the Miami Valley Hospital, where she underwent surgery and received intensive care. However, despite the best efforts of the medical staff, she succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday, December 7, 2023. She was pronounced dead at 10:15 a.m.
Brianna was a freshman at Belmont High School, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the choir. She was described by her teachers and classmates as a bright, kind, and talented girl who loved music and dancing. She had a passion for helping others and dreamed of becoming a nurse.
Brianna is survived by her parents, Kevin and Lisa McCarthy, her older brother, Ryan, and her younger sister, Kayla. Her family and friends are devastated by her loss and are seeking justice for her death.
The Dayton Police Department is investigating the hit-and-run case and is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect. According to the witnesses, the car that hit Brianna was a dark-colored sedan, possibly a Honda or a Toyota, with a damaged front bumper and windshield. The license plate number is unknown.
Anyone who has any information about the incident or the suspect is urged to call the Dayton Police Department at (937) 333-2677 or Crime Stoppers at (937) 222-7867. A reward of $5,000 is being offered for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the driver.
The community of Dayton is mourning the loss of Brianna and is showing support for her family. A candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday night at the site of the crash, where hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects and share their memories of Brianna. A GoFundMe page has been set up by her family to help cover the medical and funeral expenses. As of Thursday, December 9, 2023, the page has raised over $20,000.
Brianna’s funeral will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the New Hope Church in Dayton. Her family requests that anyone who attends wear purple, Brianna’s favorite color, to honor her memory.
Brianna’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the need for more safety measures on the roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, hit-and-run crashes have increased by 26% in 2020, resulting in 2,110 fatalities. Pedestrians and bicyclists are the most vulnerable victims of these crashes, accounting for nearly 70% of the deaths.
To prevent more tragedies like Brianna’s, drivers are urged to follow the traffic laws, drive responsibly, and stop and render aid in case of an accident. Pedestrians and bicyclists are advised to wear reflective clothing, use crosswalks, and be alert of their surroundings. Together, we can make the roads safer for everyone.
