Family mourning the loss of a 13-year-old who was killed on a quad bike by a speeding driver

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News ) – An Alabama family is mourning the loss of their 13-year-old son who was struck and killed by a car last weekend.

Last Saturday, about 100 people gathered in west Birmingham, off Avenue D, to join 13-year-old Braylen Hardy and his father for an ATV ride.

The family said Braylen was a rising star on social media because of his passion for off-road vehicles, and his enjoyment of the activity was celebrated at the weekend gathering.

“He had people come from out of town to go with him and his dad,” said Billy Fagness, the boy’s uncle. “They said he had the best time of his life. He smiled all day long. He was smiling because his dad let him lead the group and do his little tricks.

But as Braylen and his family returned home, the day took a tragic turn.

According to Fagness, Braylen was parked on the grass and sidewalk when a speeding car jumped the curb and hit him.

“They said Braylen went off the road onto the grass and sidewalk, but the guy lost control so much that he jumped the curb and hit Braylen on the ATV,” Fagness said. “It’s difficult. It’s like we’re in a nightmare. It’s like we just can’t wake up from this nightmare.

Fagness expressed frustration with the driver’s high speed and questioned why someone would drive recklessly on a public street.

“Why would anyone on a public street want to drive over 100 miles per hour?” he asked. “Some reports said he may have been involved in something and tried to escape. I don’t know what it was, but it was inappropriate. You took the life of an innocent child.

The Birmingham Police Department said the driver initially fled the scene but was arrested a few blocks away.

Authorities said an investigation into that day’s events was ongoing.

The boy’s family said they were waiting for justice and closure of the case.

Birmingham City Schools also expressed its condolences to the family.

“We are deeply saddened by the recent death of Braylen Hardy, a seventh-grade student at Bush Hills STEAM Academy,” said Mark Sullivan, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools. “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Braylen’s family, school friends and all the staff at Bush Hills STEAM Academy at this time.”