"It was an intentional act and they intentionally fled," California Highway Patrol officer Dan Olivas shared.
The lives of two best friends came to a tragic end after they were involved in a hit-and-run accident.
Jacob Martinez, 12, and his 11-year-old friend, Christina Bird were off-roading on a 2019 TaoTao ATV (All Terrian Vehicle) around 9 pm on July 2, 2022, when they were hit by an orange Polaris UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle). The incident occurred on Stoddard Wells Road, in Apple Valley, California, according to PEOPLE.
The children were found by a passerby near the Stoddard Valley Off-Highway Recreation area but the driver of the ATV had fled the scene by then.
The two friends—who were considered siblings, given how close their bond was—were found next to each other, FOX11 reports. While Jacob died at the scene, Christina was alive when she was found. She was flown to Loma Linda University Medical Center for treatment after initially being taken to St. Mary's Hospital. The girl's uncle told KTLA that she passed away early on July 6, 2022.
Both the grieving families have now started GoFundMe accounts, and the fundraiser set up to help Jacob's family with funeral costs describes the 12-year-old as the "sweetest most warm-hearted little boy whose life was cut way too short."
Friends, 11 and 12, Killed in Hit and Run While Riding Their ATV: 'They Did Not Deserve This' https://t.co/2TPzJ01x5r
— People (@people) July 6, 2022
"There are no words to describe the void he leaves behind, our family is devastated by this tragic loss," the GoFundMe reads. "This was a very tragic and unexpected loss, no one should ever be prepared for. No parent should ever have to bury their child."
Christina, or Tina as she was lovingly known, is described as "a huge love bug" in the GoFundMe created by her mom Felicia Nunez and her uncle Ernie Nunez.
"She also loved to dance and make TikTok videos which I could never understand but she was full of energy and showed how bright she was every day dancing. Tina loved music and would listen to it to fill her time. She loved the pool and ocean so we believed that she was part mermaid cause she wouldn't ever want to get out of the water," her family said.
On the day Tina died, the page was updated with the message that "Tina has grown her pair of wings to join her Grandma and Grandpa in Heaven where she is pain-free."
"It was an intentional act and they intentionally fled," California Highway Patrol officer Dan Olivas shared. "We are following up on all of the tips we have gotten and hopefully we will locate someone quickly."
https://t.co/4bKLKa2PCi
— Fox3 Now (@fox3news) July 6, 2022
An 11-year-old girl Christina Bird who was involved in an ATV hit-and-run collision in Apple Valley, California that claimed the life of her best friend Jacob Martinez and left her on life support for four days has passed away.
No arrests have yet been made in connection. "According to Olivas, authorities are looking for the driver of an orange 2021 Polaris Razor Turbo S or S4. Witnesses shared that the UTV driver paused after the collision and then continued driving, per NBC4.
Now, the families have reached out to the public for any leads. "Whoever you are, stop being a coward and do what's right and step forward," Jacob's father Beto said. "If you know who did this, please report them. If you are related to this coward, please report them."
"Jacob, daddy loves you very much and we won't stop until we get justice," his father said.
Please God we need you, they did not deserve this," Tina's family wrote. "If ANYONE has any information regarding the person who hit them PLEASE let me know I beg of you, we have only slight evidence, this is so cruel for these innocent young babies who had their whole future ahead and did not deserve this."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Victorville CHP area office at 760-241-1186.
References:
https://people.com/crime/two-children-killed-in-hit-and-run-while-riding-their-atv/
https://www.foxla.com/news/deadly-apple-valley-atv-crash
https://www.gofundme.com/f/w485nd-jacob-martinez
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-christina-life
Cover Image Source: GoFundMe | (L) Jacob Martinez (R) Christina 'Tina' Faith Bird
