CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Nearly 100 people gathered along the side of a Middleburg road Saturday night for a candlelight vigil to support the family of a teen who was killed in a hit-and-run crash.
Brien Alvezios, 13, was riding along Branan Field Road near Trail Ridge Road on Nov. 26th when an SUV struck him and took off. Alvezios died at the scene.
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Since the crash, the Alvezios family has been dealing with turmoil and heartache.
"My mom wakes up every day thinking that he's going to show up at the house," said Katie Alvezios, Brien's sister. "I have to tell her he's not coming back."
Family and friends who gathered at the vigil joined the family in their plea for someone to come forward with information about the driver who hit the teen.
"I'm a mother, I have two children. I don't understand how somebody could hit somebody's baby and just leave them on the side of the road. I don't understand that," said Becca Crockett, a family friend.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Alvezios was hit by someone driving a 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Troopers do not know the color of the SUV, but said it should have right front end damage. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at (904) 301-3700.
The Justice Coalition has set up an account to help the Alvezios family pay for his funeral. Donations can be made at Ameris Bank to the account numbered 2048540948.
A fundraiser will also be held Saturday, Dec. 10 at the All Star Sports Bar & Grill in Fleming Island, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ten percent of the proceeds from the restaurant will go to the family. There will also be live music and a silent auction. The restaurant is located at 2223 County Road 220.