Dania Beach

Child Injured in Dania Beach Hit and Run Crash Dies

The younger of two brothers injured in a hit-and-run crash has died.

Eight-year-old Apollo "AJ" Brown, Jr. passed away at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood Friday night. He had been on life support for twelve days.

His father, Apollo Brown, Sr., said he is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his son.

"It's heartbreaking, he's just eight years old," Brown said. "I never thought I'd have to bury my son."

AJ's brother, 14-year-old Kelv'ron Florence, remains hospitalized after the crash in Dania Beach earlier this month. Brown said the teenager is showing signs of improvement.

"He's coming along, his eyes are open and step by step he's coming along good," Brown said. "He knows we're there, he smiles at me."

The boys had been hit on Bryan Road while walking home from a basketball game. The driver that hit them has not been found.

The Broward Sheriff's Office is looking for a metallic grey Toyota Tacoma with damage to the passenger-side headlight. The truck is also missing the Toyota emblem from its grille.

The family is holding out hope that someone will come forward.

Speaking directly to the driver who left the scene, Brown said, "I don't hate you because God won't let me hate you. I just want you to have a heart and say you'll turn yourself in because the family is going through so much."

Benita McKnight, the boys' godmother, said family members are leaning on each other for support.

"We won't stop as a family, we will stand strong together," McKnight said. "We won't stop because the pain we are enduring, I don't wish it on an enemy. It's hard."

Anyone with information is urged to call Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477). A $5,500 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the driver.

The family has set up a fund for help with funeral costs. To donate, click here.

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