Girl, 11, dies days after ATV crash that also killed boy in Apple Valley

Authorities are still searching for the UTV driver who fled the scene

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Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Girl, 11, dies days after ATV crash that killed boy in Apple Valley
An 11-year-old girl has now died days after she was injured in a hit-and-run crash that also killed her friend while they were riding an ATV in Apple Valley.

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- An 11-year-old girl has now died days after her friend was killed in a hit-and-run crash while they were riding an ATV in Apple Valley, family members said Wednesday.



The incident happened just before 9 p.m. Saturday along Stoddard Wells Road near the Stoddard Wells vehicle area.



Investigators say Jacob Martinez was riding an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) with his family friend, 11-year-old Christina Bird, when they were struck by a side-by-side UTV (utility task vehicle).



ATVs and UTVs are both off-road vehicles, but UTVs are generally larger with more powerful engines and can be used for commercial purposes in addition to recreation.



RELATED: UTV driver hits two children in ATV in Apple Valley



The driver of the UTV fled the scene and has not been identified.



Jacob was later pronounced dead at the scene. Christina was rushed to St. Mary's Hospital and was later flown to Loma Linda University Medical Center. Her family held a vigil at Loma Linda Tuesday night.



On Wednesday, they disclosed that Christina had died.



The family is hoping the driver who left the scene with two small children lying on a dirt road comes forward voluntarily.



"I ask that if you were there with that person, or know of that person who was there ... saw what happened ... please be compassionate and come forward," said Martinez's sister, Cynthia Nunez. "Don't hide them."



The families of both children are asking anyone with information to call the California Highway Patrol in Victorville at 760-241-1186.



You can also submit an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.



GoFundMe accounts have been created for both the families of Martinez and Bird.



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