PALMETTO, Fla. — Tragedy has struck twice this year for the family of 13-year-old Tyler Pittard.

According to family members, Pittard and a family friend, 47-year-old Donald Keefer, were killed early Saturday morning while walking on the shoulder of U.S. Highway 19 in Palmetto.

Investigators with the Florida Highway Patrol say a white Chevrolet Silverado drove onto the shoulder of the road, struck the group, and kept going. 

The two were night fishing along with members of Pittard’s extended family when they left to go to a nearby store. A third victim, identified by family as Pittard’s aunt, was also injured but is expected to recover. 

"I can’t wrap my head around that this actually happened again,” said Patricia Rolston, Tyler’s aunt. “It’s hard.” 

Tyler’s mom, Mindy O’Neill, was killed in January while trying to cross U.S. Highway 19 on her bicycle in January 2019. Tyler and his two siblings went to live with grandparents after her passing. 

Tyler had just completed his first week at King Middle School, Rolston confirmed. He previously attended Buffalo Creek Middle School. 

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the suspected driver of the white Chevrolet Silverado called investigators Sunday stating that he had hit what he believed was a deer in the area at the time the crash occurred. He told investigators he may have been mistaken and involved in the crash. 

Troopers confirmed that his vehicle matches the description of the vehicle they were looking for. The vehicle is now in possession of FHP investigators.

As of Monday evening, no charges have been filed against the suspected driver. He is cooperating with investigators. 

"We're doing everything we can to put the case together properly the first time. Sometimes the wheels of justice can be slow,” said Trooper Kenn Watson with Florida Highway Patrol. 

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign to help family members cover final arrangements and a celebration of life for Tyler has been launched. For more information or to make a donation, visit the campaign's page.

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