A Florida teen struck by a 100-year-old driver while walking to her bus stop has died.
Melani Rivera, 16, died Monday, despite two emergency brain surgeries, four days after she was hit, the Miami Herald reports.
Davie police say she was outside the crosswalk on Nova Drive at 6.30am when she was struck by the Jeep driven by Rosamond Presau, who wasn’t speeding and wasn’t cited.
She has lived in Davie for 50 years and had a clean driving record.
Gone too soon: Melani Rivera (pictured), 16, died Monday, four days after she was hit by a Jeep
Rivera (pictured) was struck by the Jeep driven by Rosamond Presau, who wasn’t speeding and wasn’t cited
Kristy Crawford, who set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical bills and funeral expenses, wrote: ‘Melani Rivera was a beautiful, bright, and full of life young lady.
‘On February 8, 2018, Melani was on her way to the school bus stop, when she was struck by an SUV. Her head injuries were critical. She passed away on February 12, 2018. She did not deserve this.
‘Melani has a heart of gold and beautiful soul. She can light up any room with her smile.
‘RIP our sweet baby girl, you will be missed beyond words. We Love you. Heaven has gained an Angel.’
Friend Mike Andrews wrote on Facebook: ‘Melanie’s [sic] beautiful life was ended to [sic] soon and her entire extended family is in disbelief.
‘Please take a moment to cherish your loved ones today and let them know how much they mean. You never know when it may be the last time.’
Davie police say she was outside the crosswalk on Nova Drive (pictured) at 6.30am when she was hit by the Jeep
The driver was on her way to church, where she volunteers each morning, when the crash happened, according to News 10 ABC.
Rivera is the third Western High School student to die after being hit by a car this school year.
In November, Alicia Cerrato, 15, and Andrea De Las Salas, 14, were hit by a car while crossing an avenue near the school.