Gaston County, N.C : Teen driver hit and killed 16-year-old on a bicycle in Gaston County on Thursday night, December 18, 2014
North Carolina state troopers told that a teen driver hit and killed a 16-year-old on a bicycle in Gaston County Thursday night.
The crash happened around 8 p.m. on Mariposa Road just outside of Stanly.
Matthew Perry was wearing all black while riding his bike down the road with no street lights.
It's nearly impossible to see anyone in the dark unless your headlights are shining right on them.
That's why Perry's family said Peyton Rozzell should not feel bad about what happened.
Perry, 16, had lived with his aunt and uncle since he was 6 years old. Their home is nearby. They thought he was outside charging the battery of a car Thursday night.
"And the next thing I know I get a call that he's in the emergency room,” said Michelle Banks, Perry's aunt.
They passed by the accident scene on way to the hospital.
"Worse night of my life,” Michelle Banks said.
Perry died 15 minutes before they got to the hospital. The family learned Peyton Rozzell was the driver of the car that hit Perry.
Perry knew her. They played youth sports together when they were younger.
“We don't have any ill will toward her and we don't blame her in any way. We understand this was an accident and God was calling him home,” said Mark Banks, Perry's uncle.
“Don't blame yourself and don't spend your life blaming yourself,” Michelle Banks said.
East Gaston High School sent grief counselors to help students who were Perry's classmates before he began home schooling.
Rozzell also goes to school there.
It was a somber morning for students on the last day before Christmas break.
A man who coached Perry and Rozzell when they were young said it's awful news for everyone.
“Small town like this everybody knows everybody so there is a lot of people hurt by this,” said Buddy Robinson.
An investigating trooper said Rozzell wasn't speeding or distracted. There will be no charges filed in the case.
Source :
Driver sought in Orlando bicyclist hit-and-run