Young Girl Dies Days After Hit-and-Run ATV Crash That Also Killed Boy in California

Lorenz Duchamps
By Lorenz Duchamps
July 7, 2022US News
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Young Girl Dies Days After Hit-and-Run ATV Crash That Also Killed Boy in California
Christina "Tina" Bird. (Courtesy of GoFundMe)

An 11-year-old girl who was declared brain dead this week after she was struck in a hit-and-run ATV crash that also killed a 12-year-old boy has died from her injuries, according to the victim’s family.

The tragic incident happened in Apple Valley, California on July 2, when Christina “Tina” Bird and her long-time family friend, Jacob Martinez, were driving an ATV on the campground during a holiday trip when a third person hit them, killing Jacob instantly, and leaving the terribly injured girl on the dirt road.

The driver of the hit-and-run vehicle, a UTV described as an orange four-door side-by-side Polaris RZR that was missing its front hood, has not been identified.

According to a post on Twitter, witnesses told investigators of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office they spotted several “strange off-roaders in a damaged” UTV and overheard them say they “need to get out of here.”

“We know they were aware of the accident because bystanders who heard the accident witnessed the side-by-side drive away and turn their lights off, leaving the scene quickly,” according to witnesses.

Christina was airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center with severe injuries that included numerous shattered bones and a severed spinal cord, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser. On Wednesday, the girl’s family disclosed that she had died.

“This is so difficult to write, but I just want to let everyone know that the doctors did their final tests today to see if there is any life in Tina,” organizers of the page wrote in an update. “The results were negative. Tina has grown her pair of wings to join her Grandma and Grandpa in Heaven where she is pain-free.”

Jacob, who was riding the ATV, was pronounced dead at the scene. He has been described in a GoFundMe fundraiser as “the sweetest most warm-hearted little boy.”

NTD Photo
Jacob Martinez. (Courtesy of GoFundMe)

“This was a very tragic and unexpected loss [that] no one should ever be prepared for. No parent should ever have to bury their child,” organizers of the page wrote.

The families of both child victims are asking anyone with information related to the hit-and-run crash to call the California Highway Patrol at 760-241-1186.

“If any businesses have seen or noticed anything please share what you know. These people need to eventually fix the damage, they need to store their side-by-side, even if at a storage place. Help us spread the word!” an extensive post on social media describing the tragedy reads.

The family said they hope the driver who fled the scene, leaving the two small children on the dirt road, eventually steps forward voluntarily.

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