SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A 15-year-old boy’s early morning drive in his mother’s car resulted in a fatal crash. Now, friends and family of the teen are mourning the loss of their loved one.
The incident occurred near Southwest 118th Avenue and 56th Street, where the silver Audi sedan, belonging to the boy’s mother, collided with concrete pillars.
The crash claimed the life of the 15-year-old driver and left a 14-year-old girl, identified as Jazmin Keltz, in critical condition.
Her brother posted a picture on social media showing her arm as she lay in a hospital bed. The caption reads, “Keep fighting, miracle girl.”
Friends and family gathered at the scene Wednesday night, mourning the loss of their loved one and praying for the recovery of the injured teenager, identified as a John A. Ferguson Senior High School student.
The 15-year-old was identified as Anthony Jayden Gago.
In a statement, Danny Garcia, Gago’s relative said, “Anthony was a bright and compassionate young man who will be sorely missed. The Gago and Betancourt families are devastated and reeling from his passing.”
“A.J. was a very kind person,” said Andres Montoya, a friend of Gago. “Ninth grade, we were super close. He was always super friendly, talkative, and my prayers are just with his family.”
Shortly before the violent crash, police received a call about a silver Audi.
“Complainant calling about a suspicious incident. Their 14-year-old daughter was dropped off by that silver Audi,” said a dispatcher on Broadcastify police scanner.
Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta reported that the pursuit began when officers attempted a traffic stop around 3 a.m.
“Once officers were in the area, they were able to see a vehicle that matched the description on Miller [Drive] traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed,” he said.
Investigators said the driver, refusing to halt, lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a tragic flip and collision with the underpass pillars.
The impact was so powerful that the engine was ripped from the car.
7News cameras captured the mangled Audi as it was towed from the scene in a flatbed tow truck.
Zabaleta emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging parents to discuss the privilege and responsibility of driving with their teenagers.
Keltz is currently undergoing multiple surgeries and her family told 7News that she remains in critical condition.
A GoFundMe page was created by Keltz’s families to assist with her medical expenses. If you’d like to donate, click here.
Gago’s family also created a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral arrangements. If you’d like to donate, click here.
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