Friends and family of a Rapid City teenager killed by a hit-and-run driver early Friday morning gathered about 15-hours later at the same spot to mourn and remember her.
14-year old Neveah Brave Heart died at the scene after being struck by a pickup about 12:30 a-m. Witnesses said it happened as she was crossing the street in a crosswalk. Police are still searching for the driver and vehicle.
The rally for Brave Heart included a prayer, a blessing of the site, the words Justice for Neveah on the sidewalk, and the leaving of flowers. Theteen was described as a bright and beautiful young girl who was dearly loved and had her entire life ahead of her.
Brave Heart’s mother, Heather Bettelyoun, pleaded for someone to come forward and either accept responsibility for her daughter’s death or identify the driver for police.
Bettelyoun said the driver “ran over my daughter and just left her to die;” adding that by the time she got to the scene to help, it was too late for Neveah.