Family mourns loss of 13-year-old victim, killed on ATV by speeding driver

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) – An Alabama family is mourning the loss of their 13-year-old son, who was hit by a car over the weekend.

Last Saturday, about 100 people gathered in west Birmingham near Avenue D to join 13-year-old Braylen Hardy and his father for an ATV ride.

The family said Braylen was a budding star on social media because of his passion for ATVs and the weekend gathering celebrated his joy in the activity.

“People came from out of town to ride with him and his dad,” said Billy Fagnes, the boy’s uncle. “They said he was having the time of his life. He smiled all day. He smiled because his father allowed him to lead the pack, and he did his little tricks.

But when Braylen and his family headed home, the day took a tragic turn.

According to Fagness, Braylen was parked on the grass and sidewalk when a speeding car jumped the curb and hit him.

“They said Braylen had gone off the road onto the grass and sidewalk, but the man was so out of control that he jumped the curb and hit Braylen on the ATV,” Fagness said. “It’s tough. It’s like we’re in a nightmare. It’s like we can’t wake up from this nightmare.”

Fagness expressed frustration with the driver’s high speed and questioned why anyone would drive recklessly on public roads.

“Why would anyone want to drive faster than 160 km/h on public roads?” he asked. “Some reports said he may have been involved in something and was trying to get away. I don’t know what it was, but it wasn’t necessary. You took the life of an innocent child.”

Birmingham police said the driver initially left the scene, but was apprehended a few blocks away.

Authorities said their investigation into what happened that day is still ongoing.

The boy’s family says they are waiting for justice and closure.

Birmingham City Schools has also sent its condolences to the family.

“We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Braylen Hardy, a seventh grader at Bush Hills STEAM Academy,” said Mark Sullivan, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools. “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Braylen’s family, school friends and the entire staff at Bush Hills STEAM Academy at this time.”