Birmingham Family Mourns Loss of 13-Year-Old Braylen Hardy
Birmingham, Ala. – The community of Birmingham is reeling from the tragic loss of 13-year-old Braylen Hardy, who lost his life after being struck by a speeding car last weekend. The incident has left his family devastated and seeking answers as local police continue to investigate what transpired.
A Bright Young Life Cut Short
According to family members, Braylen was known for his kind and respectful nature. His uncle, Billy Fagness, described him as the type of child “you’d want your daughter to marry.” Braylen was a seventh-grader at Bush Hills STEAM Academy, where he was not just a student, but a budding TikTok star with a passion for ATV riding and basketball.
On Saturday, around 100 friends and family members gathered in west Birmingham near Avenue D to join Braylen and his father for an ATV ride, celebrating Braylen’s love for the activity. “He had people who came in from out of town just to ride with him,” Fagness shared. “They said that he had the time of his life. He smiled all day long, as his dad let him lead the bunch and do his little tricks.” The day was filled with joy and laughter, creating memories that the family will cherish.
A Tragic Turn of Events
However, the celebration took a tragic turn as Braylen and his family headed home. According to Fagness, Braylen was parked on the grass and sidewalk when a speeding car jumped the curb and struck him. “They said Braylen got out of the road, onto the grass and sidewalk, but the guy was so out of control that he jumped the curb and hit Braylen on the ATV,” explained Fagness. The family is heartbroken, struggling with the surreal reality of their loss. “It’s rough. It’s like we’re in a nightmare. It’s like we just can’t wake up from this nightmare,” he added.
Community Calls for Justice
Fagness expressed frustration and disbelief at the driver’s reckless speed, questioning the decision to drive over 100 mph on a public street. “Why would anybody, anybody on a public street want to drive over 100 mph?” he asked. Reports have suggested that the driver may have been trying to escape a situation, but Fagness insists that nothing justifies such dangerous behavior that led to the death of an innocent child.
Authorities reported that the driver initially fled the scene but was apprehended a few blocks away. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing, leaving Hardy’s family waiting for justice and closure.
Support for a Grieving Community
Dr. Mark Sullivan, the Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, extended condolences on behalf of the district. “We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Braylen Hardy, a 7th-grade scholar at Bush Hills STEAM Academy,” Dr. Sullivan stated. “Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to Braylen’s family, school friends, and the entire Bush Hills STEAM Academy staff at this time. We are providing counseling for students and staff, and we will continue to offer love and support.”
A Hope for Answers
As the investigation unfolds, Braylen’s family holds on to the hope that they will soon receive answers about the tragic circumstances that took their beloved boy from them. The community stands with the family in their quest for justice, as they remember Braylen for the bright young man he was.
