HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Family and friends gathered at Bethel High School on Monday evening for a memorial to remember Lizmaris Caba, the 15-year-old girl killed in a hit-and-run crash on Friday.
Caba’s mother was also injured in the crash at the intersection of Todd’s Lane and Whealton Road.
Friends of the family tell 10 On Your Side the two were walking to church when they were struck.
A sea of colorful balloons and bright candles filled the Bethel High School parking lot in a fitting tribute to a life that clearly touched so many.
“She could make a whole room light up, easily, just by being there. She was a gift, something we didn’t deserve,” said David Caceres Caba, Lizmaris’ brother.
The Hampton community remembered Lizmaris as a vibrant sophomore with big green eyes and an even bigger heart.
“Loving, strong, wise and really beautiful, beautiful young lady,” said Alex Feliciano, a close family friend and Lizmaris’ pastor. “For this to happen, it’s really tragic and we just can’t understand.”
Hampton Police are still looking for the driver who fled the scene.
Rafael Caba, Lizmaris’ brother, said his mother is devastated.
“15 years old, you know, a teenager. She didn’t even live her life fully and just to go like that, you know, it’s a tragedy,” Rafael said.
Police believe the suspect vehicle is a white utility van. The family is pleading for that driver to do the right thing.
“Come forward. Don’t be a coward. This is something that affected not only a family but other kids, other community,” Rafael said.
Although the tragedy is weighing heavy on their hearts, Lizmaris’ family wants people to remember her smile and to live like she did.
“Stay happy throughout all of this. She wouldn’t want us always sad,” David said. “I’m always going to remember that bright face when everything was dark.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help offset the cost of funeral expenses.
If you have information in the case, call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.