Two Hyde Park Academy students killed in hit-and-runs days apart

Two teens killed in separate hit-and-run incidents

The Hyde Park High School community is mourning the loss of two of its students who were tragically killed in hit-and-runs 9 days apart. Fox Chicago's Leslie Moreno joins us live at the school.

DOLTON - The Hyde Park Academy High School community is grieving after two students were killed in separate hit-and-run crashes just nine days apart.

Most recently, an 18-year-old Chicago woman was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Dolton last weekend, and authorities are still searching for the driver.

What we know:

The crash occurred Sunday near Sibley Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, according to Dolton officials.

Authorities said the driver in Smith’s case fled the scene. Investigators have identified the vehicle as a 2007 red Chevrolet Corvette with a black top and Illinois license plate FR 56003, but the driver has not been located.

The victim was identified as LaNia Smith, 18, of Chicago, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. She attended Hyde Park High School.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all those impacted by this devastating loss," the village said in a statement.

Village officials said investigators have identified the vehicle involved and a possible owner.

What's next:

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement.

Dig deeper:

Nine days earlier, 15-year-old Violet Harris was killed March 21 while riding her scooter with friends near 77th Street and Exchange Avenue. Her mother, Rachel Sturgis, said the driver never stopped.

"A black sedan was speeding and hit her, and kept going. My daughter was killed instantly," Sturgis said.

Sturgis described the overwhelming grief of losing her daughter.

"Everything, it’s hard to go home because everything is her. Her friends are leaving flowers at the porch. It’s hard everywhere I go, it’s her," she said. "I can’t even think right now. I’m trying to get her funeral arrangements together. It’s been hard for all of us, not something anyone will get over anytime soon."

What they're saying:

Sturgis said learning about the second tragedy has deepened her pain.

She said the loss is "unbearable" and heartbreaking, knowing another young girl was killed the same way.

Sturgis remembered her daughter as an honors' student with big dreams.

"She was a very joyful kid. She loved life. She brought joy to everybody she came in contact with. She lit up a room when she walked in,  just her presence made you smile. She would make you laugh. A smart girl," she said.

What's next:

Both cases remain under investigation. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

A balloon release for Harris is scheduled for Thursday outside Hyde Park Academy. Her family has also created a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses.