The death of a 13-year-old boy struck by a car in West Mifflin over the weekend has been ruled an accident, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said Monday.
Terrel “TJ” Byars Jr. was struck Saturday evening in front of a Speedway convenience store at 4315 Kennywood Blvd. He died almost six hours later of multiple blunt force injuries at UPMC Children’s Hospital Of Pittsburgh, according to the medical examiner’s office.
Kenya Wilson, Terrel’s aunt, said Terrel and his friends were walking to get food after mime practice at a local church on the day of the accident.
The group was headed to the Speedway for pizza when he was struck by the car.
“TJ was actively involved in church, where he participated in mime. He took pride in it and enjoyed expressing himself through it. Outside of that, he was also a gamer and loved playing video games in his free time,” Wilson said.
Details about the incident remained sparse on Tuesday.
West Mifflin police could not provide information about the accident and told TribLive the chief was not available.
An Allegheny County Police spokesman said the department was not investigating on Monday.
Terrel was a sixth-grade student at East Allegheny’s Logan Elementary School in North Versailles, according to a statement from the school district.
Wilson said Terrel was living with his mother Naomi White, and two siblings in Wilmerding at the time.
On Monday afternoon, the school hosted counselors from Turtle Creek Valley Community Service to provide grief support as family and friends mourned the teenager.
Wilson said her nephew was deeply loved.
“He had a kind heart, a bright spirit and meant everything to those who knew him. Our family is focused on honoring his life and advocating for truth, accountability and awareness surrounding the circumstances of his passing,” Wilson said by email.
A GoFundMe page, organized by Wilson’s fiancé, RayQuan Skinner, was active on Monday.
By Tuesday morning, there were several hundred donations that raised more than $10,900.
A social media post on Facebook about Terrel’s death had over 600 comments offering condolences to his family.
