15-YEAR-OLD GIRL KILLED BY TRUCK REMEMBERED AT EMOTIONAL CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN NEW YORK

A New York City community gathered in grief to remember 15-year-old Daria Serkov, who was fatally struck by a commercial truck while riding a bicycle with a friend in Manhattan.

A candlelight vigil was held in the city’s East Village after the teenager’s death, with friends, fellow teenagers and community members gathering at the intersection where the devastating collision occurred.

TEEN KILLED IN MANHATTAN CRASH

The crash happened at around 9 p.m. on Friday, September 18, according to the New York Police Department.

Police said two teenage girls were traveling together on a bicycle when they were struck by a commercial truck at East 14th Street and First Avenue.

The truck, operated by excavation company Badger Infrastructure Solutions, was traveling westbound on East 14th Street before making a right turn onto First Avenue.

The vehicle struck the two teenagers during the turn.

Daria suffered severe trauma and was pronounced dead following the collision.

Her 16-year-old friend, who was steering the bicycle, suffered injuries to her leg and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The truck driver, a 57-year-old man, was not injured and remained at the scene, according to police.

‘SHE WAS JUST 15’

News of Daria’s death quickly spread through the local community.

Hours after the crash, dozens of people gathered near the intersection for a candlelight vigil.

Mourners placed candles, flowers and photographs on the ground in memory of the teenager.

Many of those attending were teenagers who came together to support one another following the sudden loss.

Vigil organizer Chris Janssen told reporters that the gathering was intended to give young people a place to grieve together.

“She was just 15,” Janssen said, according to CBS News.

‘EVERYBODY WAS THERE EXCEPT FOR DARIA’

Janssen also recalled the moment she learned about Daria’s death.

She said her family had been together for dinner and playing games when they received the devastating news.

The realization that Daria would not be coming home left the family and community struggling to process what had happened.

Janssen also spoke about Daria’s twin sister and the impact the loss has had on the family.

“This is a parent’s worst nightmare,” she said, describing the situation as extremely difficult for those closest to Daria.

Friends and community members who attended the vigil were seen embracing one another as they mourned.

COMPANY SAYS IT IS COOPERATING WITH INVESTIGATION

Badger Infrastructure Solutions, the company that owns the truck involved in the collision, expressed condolences to Daria’s family.

A company spokesperson said they were devastated by the loss of the young girl and extended their sympathy to her relatives and friends.

The company also said it was fully cooperating with the NYPD and other authorities investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Police have not announced any criminal charges against the truck driver in connection with the collision.

The investigation remains ongoing.

For those who gathered at the candlelight vigil, however, the focus was not on the investigation but on remembering a teenager whose life ended suddenly.

Candles flickered beside flowers and photographs at the Manhattan intersection as friends and neighbors came together to remember Daria Serkov, who was only 15 years old.