Surveillance video has been released after a woman was struck and killed in her motorized wheelchair by a hit and run driver.
Family and friends of 39-year-old Takesha Hayes describe her as a sweet person who lived for her daughters and who they say they're going to miss tremendously.
Her daughter Najee Hayes, a high school senior, did not wish to speak on camera to NBC 6 South Florida, but shared some recent photos she took with her mother - the last she'll ever take with her mom.
Hayes' other daughter, just 8-years-old, does not yet fully understand what's happened to her mother.
"I said mommy is in heaven. She wants to come see her," says Hayes' sister, Sabrina Williams. "What can I say to an 8-year-old?"
The family says Hayes used a motorized wheelchair for mobility after suffering a stroke some time ago which caused pain in her leg.
Miami Police say Hayes was on her way to a local store and was attempting to cross Northwest 54th Street near 3rd Avenue in that wheelchair at around 2:45 a.m. Sunday when she was struck and killed by a driver who then took off.
Her daughter says Hayes' boyfriend was waiting for her back at the house.
"Definitely speed was a factor here," Miami Police Detective Dino Thompson said. "That played a major role in this incident."
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Hayes was left on the street to die, her motorized wheelchair shattered in pieces on the street.
Police are reviewing surveillance footage from that store hoping it will give them a description of the vehicle that struck and killed Hayes. The family is imploring whoever is responsible to turn themselves in.
"God sees everything," Williams said. "Look high and low. Turn yourself in."
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Miami Police Traffic Homicide Unit at (305) 603-6525, or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).
The family has set up an account to help pay for funeral expenses. Money can be deposited at any Wells Fargo Bank into the Takesha Hayes Funeral Fund.
