By james art BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) – An Alabama family is mourning the loss of their 13-year-old son who was struck and killed by a car last weekend.
Last Saturday, about 100 people gathered in west Birmingham near Avenue D to join 13-year-old Braylen Hardy and his father for an ATV ride.
The family said Braylen was a budding social media star because of his passion for ATVs, and the weekend gathering celebrated his joy in the activity.
“He had people come from out of town just to ride with him and his dad,” said Billy Fagnes, the boy’s uncle. “They said he had the time of his life. He was smiling all day. He was smiling because his father let him lead the group and he was doing his little tricks.
But when Brylen and his family got 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 Braylon 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 Braylon in the ATV,” Fagnes said. “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 at the driver’s high speed and questioned why anyone would drive recklessly on a public street.
“Why would anyone on a public street want to drive over 100 mph?” he asked. “Some reports say he may have been involved in something and was trying to get away. I don’t know what it was, but it wasn’t necessary. You took the life of an innocent child.”
The Birmingham Police Department said the driver initially fled the scene but was apprehended a few blocks away.
Authorities said their investigation into what happened that day is ongoing.
The boy’s family said they were left waiting for justice and closure.
Birmingham City Schools also extended its condolences to the family.
“We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Braylen Hardy, a 7th grade scholar at Bush Hills STEAM Academy,” said Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Mark Sullivan. “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.”
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