BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) -A Birmingham family is grieving 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 remains devastated and searching for answers.

According to his uncle, Billy Fagness, Braylen was the kind of kid “you’d want your daughter to marry.” Known for his respectful nature and leadership qualities, Braylen’s life was tragically cut short.

Fagness said Braylen, a seventh-grader at Bush Hills STEAM Academy, was a budding TikTok star with a passion for riding ATVs and playing basketball. On Saturday, about 100 people gathered in West Birmingham near Avenue D to join Braylen and his father for an ATV ride, celebrating his enjoyment of the activity.

“That Saturday, he had people come from out of town just to go with him, him and his dad,” Fagness said. “They said he had the time of his life. He smiled all day, he had a smile because his dad let him lead the group and he did his little tricks.”

As Braylen and his family headed home, the day took a tragic turn. According to Fagness, Braylen 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 onto the sidewalk, but the guy was so out of control that he jumped the curb and hit Braylen on the ATV,” Fagness explained. “It’s tough. It’s like we’re in a nightmare. It’s like we can’t wake up from this nightmare.”

Fagness expressed frustration at 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 said that he might have been involved in something and that he 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 reported that the driver initially fled the scene but was apprehended a few blocks away. At this time, no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, Hardy’s family awaits 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 scholar 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 offering counseling to students and staff and will continue to offer love and support.”

As police continue their investigation, Hardy’s family remains hopeful that answers — and justice — will be found soon.

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