MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Two vehicles collided early Wednesday morning in northwest Miami-Dade, causing one of the vehicles to smash into the front chain-link fence of an elderly woman’s home.
The vehicle also damaged a metal gate surrounding the front porch of the house on Northwest 14th Avenue and 77th Terrace.
The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. in the Gladeview neighborhood.
Relatives said the driver of the white Hyundai sedan that struck the fence died from his injuries.
They identified him as 40-year-old Edward Durden, who went by the nickname John.
According to Durden’s uncle, the victim had just gotten married last month.
Anthony Durden said his nephew was a humble, soft-spoken man.
“John was a beautiful, spirited young man,” he said. “Very big heart, very giving. Very respectful, polite.”
Police confirmed that the driver of the other vehicle, a black Kia SUV, ran away after the crash and has not been found.
Homeowner Alice Bedell, 84, said she was sleeping when she heard the crash outside her house.
“I’m laying down and I heard, ‘BAM!’ and my daughter said, ‘Mama, oh Lord, something done happen,’” Bedell said.
Edward Durden is survived by his wife and several children.
His family is struggling to come to grips with his sudden, tragic death.
“Just very, very shook and shocked. Just trying to deal with the impact of what’s happened,” his uncle said.
The family is planning a candlelight vigil at 5 p.m. Wednesday to honor the victim.
Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.