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A community grieves after two teenagers are struck by a car in Perry, Utah

Posted at 9:39 PM, Oct 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-16 23:53:36-04

PERRY, Utah – A 16-year-old girl has died, and a 14-year-old girl remains critical condition after a truck hit them on US-89 in Perry Sunday night.

Sarah Hardy, 14, remains in critical condition while her best friend Alexis Nelson, 16,  passed away from her injuries.

A fun afternoon with best friends turned into tragedy. The two were walking to a fruit stand in Perry not far from their homes when they were hit.

“They came over to get some pumpkins to carve them for Halloween,” said Shon Hardy, Sarah’s uncle.

“Just horrific. I can't even explain it,” Shon said.

A spokesperson for the Nelson family celebrated their daughter's brightness in a statement:

"She will be deeply missed by her family and friends and has left a mark on her neighborhood and community in her short 16 year life. She was a Junior at Box Elder High School and was a friend to everyone especially those who didn’t have a friend. She volunteered with the special needs students at school. She had a great love of animals and adopted everyone in the neighborhoods animals and loved to volunteer at the local animal shelter in Brigham City. She would always smile when talking about the wonderful animals that she had the opportunity to interact with.

The girls allegedly tried to cross US Route 89 Sunday.  Four witnesses said a car stopped in the northbound lane to let them cross, but a pickup truck in the other lane didn't see them until it was too late.

“We were at the hospital yesterday,” Shon said. “We have a strong family to support my brother, and to support Sarah in their time of need.”

Alexis passed away from her injuries, and Sarah's family created a small memorial for her. At box elder high school where Alexis was in grade 11, her principal Gary Allen broke the news to the students.

“It just breaks your heart when we lose a student, and this one was a hard one simply the nature of the accident. We just see how many other people are affected and it's just been tough,” Allen said.

As for the driver that hit the girls, the family said they have no hard feelings towards him.

“We're also thinking of the driver and we want them to know we're thinking of them also,” said April Hardy, Sarah’s Aunt.

“We don't hold no grudge against him,” Shon said.

Now a splash of pink, Alexis's favorite color, is on the roadside to remember her.  The families are praying for Sarah's recovery.

She's definitely made it a long way, so hopefully she'll pull through,” Shon said.

A gofundme account has been set up to help the families with medical expenses.

Residents in Perry said a lot of people try to cross this road everyday, and this is a painful reminder of how dangerous it can be.

The parents of Sarah Hardy are asking anyone who is able to help to contribute to their GoFundMe page here.