Family and friends remember Mishawaka girl killed by car

By Darla Hernandez (darlah@wsbt.com)

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Shayla Aston, 4, died after being hit by a car while crossing the street in her Mishawaka neighborhood. Her 6-year-old sister Shianna is fighting for her life. (Photo provided)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: May 22, 2009 at 3:06 PM EST

Story Updated: May 28, 2009 at 10:36 AM EST

MISHAWAKA — Two weeks after being hit and killed by a car, family members of a little girl from Mishawaka held a memorial service Friday. While her sister continues to fight for her life, friends and family gathered to remember and pray for these two young lives.

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It’s a holiday weekend when many gather with family and friends for celebration. But the Aston family gathered on Friday afternoon at St. Paul's Church in Mishawaka to bury 4-year-old Shayla Aston, whose life was taken in a matter of seconds.

"I just cannot believe it,” said Dr. Binod Balakrishninan, the Aston family’s pediatrician. “I just saw them recently, they were great, doing great, and suddenly they are gone … she's gone … it's hard."

About two weeks ago Shayla and her 6-year-old sister Shianna were hit by a car in a Mishawaka neighborhood while trying to cross the street.

"I feel that it could've been either of my kids,” said neighbor Kristina Gipson. “It could have been anybody’s kids.”

Records show the driver of that car, 56-year-old Leroy Hoover, has been involved in four other crashes, one of them involving a 13-year old boy who was hit.

"I can't believe it,” said Kenneth Lower, the girls' uncle. “It's beyond reason. I don't understand it."

The family says they must now pray for a miracle for Shianna, who is currently in hospice care.

“That's all you can do is hope and pray,” Lower added.

Family and friends say a sweet smile and innocent face is how they will remember Shayla Aston. Although her pain has come to an end, the family says theirs has not.

"For me it's been horrible, my family too — it's been nothing but tears and heartache,” Lower said. “You can't get it out of your mind. It’s every day. You go someplace, you walk around and see people with little kids and you think about it. It brings a tear to your eye. I’m going to miss her very much.

This case has been turned over to the St. Joseph County prosecutor’s office. So far, the driver — Leroy Hoover — has not been arrested and does not face charges.

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