ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A vigil was held on Wednesday evening to honor a 5-year-old girl who was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Orlando over the weekend.
The vigil took place around 6:30 p.m. at 4340 N. Orange Blossom Trail in honor of the girl, identified as Aiyanna McCoy.
Aiyanna McCoy and her family were struck Saturday night by a silver Mercedes while they were in the Uber, a Nissan Pathfinder, on North Orange Blossom Trail near Ace Road. According to the Orlando Police Department, the silver Mercedes became inoperable after the crash, and the driver ran away before being picked up by another vehicle. The make and model of that vehicle are unknown.
Aiyanna was taken to a hospital, where she died. Aiyanna’s aunt, 26, suffered “significant injuries” but was expected to survive. Aiyanna’s two sisters, ages 4 and 9, suffered minor injuries, police said. The Uber driver, a 54-year-old man, was not injured.
During the vigil, Billy McCoy — Aiyanna’s father — said he was trying to be strong for his other children during this tragic time.
“She was so happy that day. She was so happy. We just want justice for our little baby,” McCoy said. “She was everything I ever had. She came at a time of darkness and she was lost in a tragic moment because someone was carelessly drag racing, and they need to be found.”
McCoy said Aiyanna had spent the day with him before the crash.
Aiyanna’s mother, who said she’s not ready to comment publicly about her daughter’s death, was not in the vehicle.
“Our hearts go out to (Aiyanna’s) family during this unimaginably difficult time. We are committed to pursuing justice for (Aiyanna) and her loved ones. We urge anyone with information about the hit-and-run incident to come forward and assist law enforcement in their efforts to bring the responsible party to justice,” Isaac East, the family’s attorney, said in a statement.
According to the statement released by East Law of Florida, Aiyanna was a “vibrant kindergartner” and had a “joyous spirit, love for dance, singing and gymnastics.”
Her mother said that Aiyanna attended Orange Center Elementary School in Orlando, and she loved to dance, sing and perform gymnastics.
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The funeral home where the girl’s services are being held said it is covering the expenses for the family.
Orange County Public Schools set up a memorial fund to help cover medical expenses for the family. To donate, click here.
Anyone with information in the hit-and-run is asked to call 911 or Crimeline at 800-923-TIPS.
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