A tragic hit-and-run incident in Sacramento has claimed the life of 9-year-old Avianna Hill, occurring shortly after 8 p.m. on June 11 while she was riding a mini-motorcycle with her father. The collision took place at the intersection of 36th Street and 19th Avenue, according to the Sacramento Police Department. The family is now mourning the loss of Avianna, who was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital, while her father, Preston Hill, is in intensive care nursing serious injuries.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/avianna-hill-061626-1-5882f692aeb347eba162104d5da8265b.jpg)
Preston Hill, who sustained multiple injuries, including a broken collarbone and facial fractures, was taken to hospital alongside his daughter, who had just celebrated the end of the school year on the day of the collision. While the situation remains critical for him, he is thankfully expected to recover, though the family faces significant medical and funeral expenses. A GoFundMe campaign has since been established to help with these costs, and as of midday June 16, donations have surpassed £7,000.
Avianna’s mother, Bianca Carranza, described her daughter as a vibrant and loving child who enjoyed playing outdoors, indulging in her favourite game Roblox, and participating in sports. “She’s my angel,” Carranza expressed, capturing the profound impact of the young girl’s radiant spirit. Her family, friends, and community gathered on June 15 for a vigil at McClatchy Park, a place where Avianna spent many joyful moments.
The touching event was attended by numerous locals who came together to celebrate Avianna’s life and support her grieving family. Grandmother Denise Carranza spoke eloquently about her granddaughter, remembering her as a bright and joyful presence who brought happiness wherever she went. “She was very happy,” Denise remarked, highlighting the void left in the family’s life following the tragic accident.
Belyn Richards, who coached Avianna’s softball team, shared fond memories of her enthusiasm for the sport. He recalled how she was known for her love of the game, wearing number two on her jersey, and how celebrated her performance was at the last game, with cheers echoing from both her team and the opposition. “Even the other team was like, go number two, you got a big hit,” he said, a testament to the joy she spread both on and off the field.
The vehicle involved in the crash fled the scene, prompting an immediate response from the police. Authorities apprehended 30-year-old Miracle Merritt, who now faces charges of felony hit-and-run alongside misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. Merritt is currently being held on a $500,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court soon. The police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, seeking answers and justice for Avianna and her family.
The emotional aftermath of this tragedy has led to an outpouring of support from the community. With the family grappling with both grief and the financial strain of medical care, the GoFundMe initiative serves as a beacon of hope and assistance during this harrowing time. The campaign underscores the community’s solidarity as they come together to support the Hill family in their time of need.
As the investigation progresses, the community remains on alert, hoping that justice will be served in memory of a little girl whose life was tragically cut short. The legacy of Avianna Hill, whose laughter and love touched all who knew her, will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, reminding everyone of the importance of cherishing each moment.