Mother of hit-and-run victim reflects on the night of the incident
Thirteen-year-old Teshawna Taylor has been in a hospital since June 10th, battling injuries suffered after a vehicle hit her in Gulfport.
The teenager suffered a broken hip, a broken leg, and traumatic brain injury after a vehicle hit her as she stepped into the road near the Dollar General on Dedeaux Road. Police have charged 20-year-old David Harrell in the incident.
Teshawna’s mother, Osavine Brown, has been by her side since the hit-and-run. She was in Gulfport today, however, to talk about what happened to her daughter.
Brown and her family also thanked their community of friends and family for sharing Teshawna’s story and getting the word out, which helped identify Harrell and lead to his arrest. “I was at home and my step-daughter called and was like ‘Teshawna got hit by a car’ and we were like what, so I run out the door to the scene. She’s laying on the ground. By the time we were there, about probably not even two minutes later, Harrison County came. She was transported to Singing River, airlifted to Mobile.”
Teshawna was then taken to New Orleans where she remains. Teshawna has opened her eyes, but she still has a long recovery.
Teshawna’s family also wanted to thank Scarlet Pearl CEO LuAnn Pappas, who has helped them with some of Teshawna’s needs.
Pappas said in a statement that Teshawna’s stepfather is a member of the Scarlet Pearl family — and that makes them all family.
“I was devastated to learn of the hit and run and the serious injuries inflicted upon Teshawna,” Pappas said in the statement. “Willie (Hardy) and his family are my family and part of the Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort family.
“My heart goes out to Teshawna and her family during this extremely difficult time. My heart is broken, and we need everyone praying Teshawna will have a full recovery. God’s little angel.”
