Mother of Brianna Reese tries to stay strong after daughter struck, killed by car

Girl struck by car on Northwest 27th Avenue; Police haven't determined if driver will face charges

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Brianna Reese, 4, was the light of her mother's life.

"She was just so sweet, a little princess," said Balinda Lopez of her only child.

Lopez stared at the memorial of teddy bears, toys and flowers set up on the corner of Northwest 160th Street and Northwest 27th Avenue and tried to stay strong.

Saturday around 10:30 a.m., Reese was crossing the street with her father when she was struck by a car going northbound on 27th Avenue. Eyewitnesses ran to assist, but Reese was pronounced dead at Miami Children's Hospital.

The driver that hit Reese stayed at the scene, but police said they have not determined if she will be charged. Some eyewitnesses said the little girl ran away from her father.

Friends and family held a vigil for Brianna during the weekend and could not help but notice three more permanent memorials that are near the intersection. Miami Gardens police did not comment on the number of accidents in the area.

Neighbors said they wish there was a red-light camera or some other deterrent near the corner so more people slow down for yellow lights.

There has been no determination on whether or not the driver had the right of way when the crash happened.

Brianna's family is devastated and planning her funeral for Saturday, March 1 at Greater Love Full Gospel Church on Northwest 22nd Avenue in Miami Gardens. The community is trying to raise funds to bury her.

Her mother hopes people use her tragedy to love their children more and be more alert when they drive.