Florida Highway Patrol troopers are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a 15-year-old Melbourne boy who was struck while riding an electric scooter on Father’s Day.
The teen, identified as Isaiah Irizarry by friends and family, was struck about 3:50 a.m. Sunday, June 21, near the intersection of Independence Avenue and Viera Boulevard, prompting a search for a vehicle described as a black 2009 Hyundai Genesis.
The sedan was located about one and a half miles away from the impact site, troopers reported. So far, no arrests have been made.
“We do have a person of interest; however, uncooperative,” said Migdalisis Garcia, a spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol.
“Our traffic homicide investigators located a possible suspect vehicle and have taken possession of it for processing,” Garcia added in a statement to FLORIDA TODAY.
Investigators say the Genesis was traveling east on Viera Boulevard, east of Independence Avenue. Isaiah, operating the scooter, was also eastbound in traffic when the Genesis apparently veered onto the right shoulder and struck the teen, the highway patrol reported.
The unidentified driver of the Genesis drove away, leaving behind a mirror that broke off when the teen was struck. Brevard County Fire Rescue paramedics attempted to treat Isaiah, who was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando and later pronounced dead from his injuries.
“Isaiah was a beloved son, grandson, nephew, friend, and cherished member of our community. His joyful spirit and caring nature touched everyone around him, and his loss has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew and loved him,” wrote Marta Wypyski, the organizer of a GoFundme page raising funds to cover funeral costs for the teen.
Anyone with information about the crash involving the teen is asked to contact Florida Highway Patrol investigators at *347 or CRIMELINE at 1-400-423-TIPS.
J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641or jgallop@floridatoday.com. X: @JDGallop.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Melbourne teen, 15, on electric scooter killed in Viera hit-and-run
Reporting by J.D. Gallop, Florida Today / Florida Today
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By J.D. Gallop, Florida Today | USA TODAY Network
