By james art BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – A Birmingham family is mourning the loss of 13-year-old Braylen Hardy, who was hit and killed by a car last weekend. As police work to piece together the details of what happened, Hardy’s family is devastated and searching for answers.
According to his uncle, Billy Fagnes, Braylen was the kind of kid “you’d want your daughter to marry.” Known for his respectful character and leadership qualities, Braylen’s life was tragically cut short.
Fagnes shared that Brylen, a seventh-grader at Bush Hills STEAM Academy, was an aspiring TikTok star with a passion for riding his ATV and playing basketball. On Saturday, about 100 people gathered in West Birmingham near Avenue D to join Brylen and his father for an ATV ride, celebrating his joy in the activity.
“That Saturday, he had people come from out of town just to ride with him, him and his dad,” Fagnes said. “They said he had the time of his life. He was smiling all day, he had a smile because his dad let him lead the band and he did his little tricks.
As Brylen and his family headed home, the day took a tragic turn. According to Fagnes, Breilen was parked on the grass and sidewalk when a speeding car jumped the curb and hit him.
“They said Braylen went off the road and onto the grass and the sidewalk, but the guy was so out of control that he went over the curb and hit Braylen on the ATV,” Fagnes explained. “It’s rough. It’s like we’re in a nightmare. It’s like we just can’t wake up from this nightmare.”
Fagnes expressed frustration with the driver’s high speed, questioning why anyone would drive recklessly on a public street. “Why would anyone, anyone on a public street, want to drive over 100 mph?” he asked. “Some reports are saying that he may have been involved in something and was trying to get away from it. I don’t know what it was, but it wasn’t necessary. You took the life of an innocent child.”
Birmingham police said the driver initially fled the scene but was apprehended a few blocks away. No arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, Hardy’s family is left to wait for justice and closure.
In a statement, Dr. Mark Sullivan, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, offered his condolences:
“We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Braylen Hardy, a 7th grade student at Bush Hills STEAM Academy. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Braylen’s family, school friends and the entire staff at Bush Hills STEAM Academy at this time. We are providing counseling to students and staff and will continue to offer love and support.”
As police continue their investigation, Hardy’s family hopes answers – and justice – will be found soon.
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