Miami, FL — Family members and friends gathered at Gwen Cherry Park Monday night with candles and balloons to remember 10-year-old Peyton Williams, a young cheerleader who died after a hit-and-run crash while riding an e-bike with her older brother.
The emotional gathering took place at the park in Miami-Dade County’s Gladeview neighborhood, a location that held special meaning for Peyton because she was a member of the Gwen Cherry Park Bulls cheer team.
Peyton and her 15-year-old brother, Willbrent, were riding together on an e-bike on September 9 when a driver struck them near Northwest Seventh Avenue and 177th Street, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Peyton was taken to the hospital following the crash, but she ultimately died at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Her brother survived and remained at the hospital Monday as he recovered from his injuries.
Family struggles to tell Peyton’s brother she died
For Peyton’s mother, Shaniq, the loss has been made even more painful by the fact that her son still does not know his sister did not survive.
She said Willbrent was recovering, awake, talking and stable at the hospital.
“He’s doing well,” Shaniq said, describing his condition as the family continues to take things day by day.
But telling him about Peyton has become an agonizing decision. The siblings were extremely close, their mother said, explaining that they did everything together. She fears that learning his sister died could bring back the trauma of the crash.
The family therefore has not yet told him about Peyton’s death.
Gwen Cherry Park becomes a place of remembrance
Monday night’s gathering at Gwen Cherry Park brought together people who knew Peyton and others who wanted to support her grieving family.
Peyton was remembered not only as a daughter and sister but also as a young cheerleader who was part of the Gwen Cherry Park Bulls, a youth sports program operated through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.
Her aunt, Katrina Kearse, spoke about the overwhelming support surrounding the family.
She said it was a powerful feeling to see so many people come forward to stand with Peyton’s mother and the rest of the family during their loss.
Candles and balloons helped transform the park into a memorial for the little girl whose life ended far too soon.
Suspected vehicle found as search continues
The investigation into the fatal hit-and-run remained active Monday. On Sunday, deputies announced that they had found a Nissan Versa believed to be the vehicle that struck Peyton.
The discovery could provide investigators with additional evidence as they work to identify and locate the driver who allegedly fled after the crash.
Authorities had been searching for the person responsible while Peyton’s loved ones gathered to mourn her death. The circumstances surrounding the crash remained under investigation.
Family asks community to remember Peyton
As relatives and friends cope with the devastating loss, a fundraising effort has also been launched to support the family.
A message posted on a Support Now fundraising page described the loss in heartbreaking terms, emphasizing that Peyton’s life mattered and her story matters.
For those gathered at Gwen Cherry Park, the little girl was more than a name connected to a tragic crash. She was a daughter, a sister, a teammate and a child who had become part of the local youth sports community.
Her family is now left to grieve while her older brother continues his recovery in the hospital.
The investigation into the hit-and-run remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing their efforts to determine what happened and hold the responsible driver accountable.
What message would you share with Peyton’s family during this heartbreaking time? Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments.
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