A family has been left devastated after a nine-year-old boy was killed when a driver – allegedly under the influence – veered off the road and struck two children riding bicycles.
Mikhail-Lee Smith died alongside 12-year-old Dereon James Robinson following the crash in Spartanburg County, South Carolina.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the boys were riding their bikes on the sidewalk when a Honda left the roadway and hit them.
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Emergency services were called to the scene on Asheville Highway near Brock Street at around 12:20pm on Sunday (12 April), as reported by Need To Know.
The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office confirmed both children were pronounced dead shortly after, with Mikhail-Lee dying at 1:31pm.
A 31-year-old man, identified by officials as Eri Perez, has been arrested in connection with the crash.
He is facing charges including two counts of felony DUI resulting in death, driving without a license and possession of an open container.
Officials said Perez was intoxicated at the scene and could not stand, needing to be held up.
The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office and South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing to investigate the incident.
In the wake of the tragedy, Mikhail-Lee’s family have spoken of their heartbreak as they struggle to come to terms with the loss.
In a fundraising page set up by his aunt, Jacosha Smith, she described the young boy as “active” and “joyful”.
She wrote: “He was my brother’s youngest son and truly his best friend.
“No parent should ever have to say goodbye to their child.”
The family said they are now facing the financial burden of funeral and memorial costs after the sudden loss.
A separate fundraiser set up by Mikhail-Lee’s sister, Letecia Bridges, said the youngster “meant everything” to their mother.
She added: “She hasn’t slept since the tragedy.
“He was supposed to have a future, not a funeral.”
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