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SANTA CLARA, Washington County — Casey Ralph remembers the day about five years ago when a fellow second-grader walked right up to her and asked her name.
That girl was Keiara Roberts. And by the end of that day, Casey and Keiara were best friends.
"She was a lovable person," Casey said. "She always wanted to make new friends."
Keiara's life was tragically cut short Saturday afternoon when she and another teen cyclist were hit by an SUV.
Keiara was one of my best friends, and I didn't even get to say goodbye.
–Casey Ralph
Keiara, 13, of Kingman, Ariz., and a 14-year-old girl were riding bikes on the shoulder of Santa Clara Drive about 1:30 p.m. when they were hit by an upcoming Ford Expedition near 3900 West, police said.
The 14-year-old girl was riding in front of Keiara and was the first to get hit. The girl lost control of her bike and fell into a rocky storm drain on the north side of Santa Clara Drive, police said.
The SUV then hit and ran over Keiara, who had been riding single file behind the other girl.
The 14-year-old girl from Ivins, Washington County, sustained only bruises and scrapes, police said.
Casey described Keiara as someone who loved to be outside and particuarly enjoyed hiking. Keiara was in St. George to visit family, Casey said.
"Keiara was one of my best friends, and I didn't even get to say goodbye," she said.
The driver of the SUV, 37-year-old Tricia Longmore of St. George, was not injured. Police are investigating the crash.
Casey said she visited Keiara's home Saturday night and talked with family members. Police had indicated to the family that the accident may have been a result of drowsy driving.
Casey said she plans to create a Facebook page in Keiara's memory, warning people about the dangers of drowsy driving.
Email:jpage@ksl.com
