Teen hit by car, killed in Palmetto

Image 1 of 8

Pain and grief fill the hearts of those who knew and loved 15-year-old Myquarios Kelly.

Family filled an empty lot across from 23rd Street East in Palmetto Thursday. Troopers with the Highway Patrol say the sophomore tried crossing U.S 41 when a car hit him around 6:30 that morning.

Gwendolyn Mitchell watched in horror as the scene unfolded.

"He was crossing the street, he had on dark clothes on and it's dark," Mitchell said. "Backpack went off. Shoes went off. Then the driver went back to help," 

His father, Michael Kelly is already trying to remain strong.

"There's nothing I can do to bring him back," his father said. "It's a tragedy. Man, I lost my heart. That little boy right there, he was the greatest."

The driver, a doctor named John D'Auria, tried helping the teenager, but there was nothing he or anyone could do. Myquarios died from injuries.

U.S 41 in Palmetto is a very busy road. Troopers said it was dark out and D'Auria probably did not se Myquarios as he walked across the roadway.

"He was approaching a green light and it would be very unlikely for him to see the pedestrian in the darkness," said Captain John Donovan.

Troopers said there is a cross walk at the intersection, but Myquarios wasn't using it. They warned both drivers and pedestrians to take their time while in the area.

"The lesson is to always be patient, always pay attention. Try not to be distracted. Try to watch the road. You always have to be aware," said Capt. Donovan.

For Myquarios' father, the pain runs deeper than anyone can imagine. He often took his son to school, but today his son walked instead.

"Everybody who [has] kids needs to watch out for their kids, to make sure that don't happen to them," he said.

Troopers have not filed charges against John D'Auria. Their investigation continues.

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story stated the victim was 9 years old. FHP has since corrected their initial information and this version reflects the updated information.