Palm Coast, FL : 16-year-old struck, killed while riding bike in Flagler County on Sunday, January 1, 2017

The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for a driver who left a teenager dead on the side of the road on New Year's Eve in Flagler County.

The original crash report issued by the Florida Highway Patrol stated the crash happened at about 7:20 p.m. near the intersection of Old Kings Road and Farnum Lane. Troopers issued another report with an updated time of crash, but the time wasn't updated.

Kelvin Smith, a 16-year-old in 11th grade at Matanzas High School, was killed while he rode his bicycle along the roadway.

Smith's mother has been pleading for the driver to come forward since Saturday night.

"He said, 'Ma, I won’t be too late, I promise I won't be too late,'" Betsy Smith said. "I said, 'Well, call me before you get there.'"

Smith dreamed of playing football and was known for his big heart. Now, Betsy Smith and her husband will have to bury their only son.

"The people he reached and the hearts he touched is phenomenal," Smith said.

Betsy Smith said she was greeted by law enforcement officers at her home on New Year's Eve with the news. She said her son was headed to spend the holiday at a friend's house when he was struck and killed.

"I moved him here to give him a better life (only) to lose my child," Smith said.

The family has only been living in Palm Coast for about six months. Smith has three sisters. Without a clear description of the suspect or the vehicle, Smith said she is at a loss for words.

"Words can't describe him — loving, loving, loving," she said. "That street is a dark street. We need lights out there. We need sidewalks out there. It could've been a factor. I don't know."

There are no sidewalks or street lights where Kelvin Smith was killed. Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland said there is a $30 million improvement plan in the works for the area where the crash happened, and it includes adding sidewalks.

"We're a 30-year-old infrastructure community," Holland said. "ITT put in swales that make it difficult to put in sidewalks where there are driveways, but the major thoroughfares ... we are trying to connect. We have done a great job already. We have over 130 miles of sidewalks in the city of Palm Coast alone, so it is something that we do address and take seriously."

Holland said adding street lights in the area where the crash happened could cost "millions."

"We are addressing the issue," Holland said. "We do understand the tragic situation and our hearts go out to the families that are going through a very difficult time right now."

Smith said she would like to see the plan accomplished, but she is also hoping the driver in the hit-and-run that killed her son comes forward.

"Whoever is responsible for this to just come forward," she said. "You know, it's hard."

Holland said the design phase of the improvement plan is completed but the city is waiting on funding approval from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Troopers said the vehicle involved — which is believed to be a pickup truck — was last seen traveling northbound on Old Kings Road. Investigators said to be on the lookout for a vehicle with damage to the front bumper toward the driver's side headlight.

Source :
16-year-old struck, killed while riding bike on New Year's Eve in Palm Coast