13-year-old struck in hit and run incident in Gulfport

A Gulfport teenager is fighting for her life in a New Orleans hospital while police try to find the person responsible.

In a shocking incident Saturday night, a hit-and-run driver struck 13-year-old Teshawna Taylor before fleeing the scene, leaving her critically injured with extensive medical bills. Her uncle, Marquell Bridges said, “She’s in a medically induced coma. She’s on a breathing machine. They are doing everything for her. She has front and back brain trauma and a broken leg, broken hip, and just a long, long road of recovery.”

The family has started a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses. If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

The incident occurred on Dedeaux Road as Teshawna and a group of friends attempted to cross the street after leaving Dollar General. She was the first one in the street.

Eyewitnesses reported that a dark blue sedan struck her while traveling about 65 miles an hour in a 35-mile zone. Teshawna was airlifted to Alabama, but was later taken to New Orleans to better serve her critical injuries.

“She is just what you like about life. The positive attitude, the positive mindset towards anything, always problem solving, always supporting others. Smiling, dancing. She loves learning, just a beautiful soul, a beautiful baby.”

Law enforcement launched an investigation into the hit-and-run incident. They are reviewing surveillance footage to gather any evidence that may lead to the identification of the driver responsible.