CENTERVILLE, Utah — A teenage girl who was hit by a vehicle while walking across a Centerville crosswalk has died of her injuries.
Family of 16-year-old Maya Staples wrote that the teen had become less responsive earlier this week and that doctors said she was experiencing "brain death."
On Tuesday, test results said her brain had stopped functioning.
Maya’s sister, Dani Shelley, said Maya’s friends and family visited her in the hospital Tuesday. She told FOX 13 News that it was an “irreplaceable moment” to witness the impact Maya had on so many.
“I think she was just a gatherer of people,” said Shelley. “She was kind to people that others weren’t always kind to.”
Shelley said Maya volunteered at the local animal shelter and was looking forward to working there one day.
“As a parent myself, I can’t imagine what they’re going through,” said Centerville Police Chief Paul Child.
Staples was walking in the area of 2025 N. Main Street on Nov. 9 when she was struck by an SUV and thrown 60-80 feet. First responders originally planned to airlift the unconscious Staples to the hospital, but later decided to transport her via ambulance.
Child said the driver of the SUV, an 82-year-old woman, is cooperating and currently does not face any charges.
“She’s a mom. She’s a grandma. She’s a good woman,” said Child. “She’s devastated. It’s been very difficult for her as well. This is just a tragedy all the way around.”
"We are devastated and we miss our cool, vibrant, passionate daughter, sister and friend. We have had a sad but peaceful day, remembering Maya and talking about her together," the family shared on a Caring Bridge page.
Staples' family is now starting the organ donation process as they say it's what "Maya would want to do."
The 82-year-old female driver of the SUV stayed at the scene after the crash and cooperated with the police in their investigation.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family pay the medical bills related to Staples' hospitalization.
