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WEST JORDAN — Friends and neighbors of 13-year-old Eli Mitchell lined his street with luminaries Monday a week after he was hit and killed by a car while riding his bike in West Jordan.
The fatal crash happened in the area of 9000 South and 1510 West last Tuesday.
"According to witnesses, (Eli) was southbound crossing 9000 South in the marked crosswalk, at the signal at 1510 West. The suspect turned right from southbound 1510 West to westbound 9000 South and struck the juvenile on their bicycle," stated a press release from the West Jordan Police Department.
The driver of the truck left the scene, dragging the bicycle behind him, while bystanders tried to revive the boy. The teen boy died from his injuries.
Police later caught up with 50-year old Mason Ohms at his home in Saratoga Springs and arrested him for investigation of automobile homicide and failure to remain at an accident involving death.
When word got out of the tragedy, Eli's neighbors wanted to show the family how much they are loved.
"This all started out as just a way for the youth in the neighborhood to come together," said Lacey Marsing.
But it quickly turned into something much bigger.
"We kept getting calls and texts that everybody wanted to be involved and show their love to the Mitchells."
So, for two nights, neighbors lit 2,000 luminaries lining the street. And while they hope it shows the family love and support, they say the Mitchells have, once again, been lifting others, even during their time of need.
