Family grieves 15-year-old riding scooter killed in South Shore hit-and-run

A Chicago family is heartbroken after what should have been a fun evening outdoors ended in tragedy.

Violet Harris, 15, was riding a scooter along East 77th Street near South Blackstone Avenue at around 8:30 p.m. Saturday, when she was struck by a driver who took off.

A nearby resident who was on her front porch said the driver appeared to be speeding and never stopped.

When officers got to the scene, Violet was lying in the roadway, Chicago police said. The teenager was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

NBC Chicago’s JC Navarrete spoke to a family spokesperson who said relatives will miss Violet’s energy the most.

“She was a joyful kid she smiled and laughed a lot the family says you can’t be mad around her she’s always bringing joy,” said Justin Peters, the founder of Chitown Crime Chasers.

As of Sunday evening, police were continuing to search for the driver. A description of the vehicle hasn’t been released.

Family and friends are planning a balloon release on Sunday evening in Violet’s honor.