Boys chasing ball struck by hit-and-run driver; 1 dies

HOUSTON -- The family of two children struck by a hit-and-run driver in north Harris County is pleading for that driver to surrender.

A 4-year-old boy has died, and his 2-year-old relative was injured.

Original report: Two boys struck by car in N. Harris Co.

One child is confirmed dead following a hit-and-run in NW Harris Co.

The two boys were playing with a ball when it went over the fence at Doss Park around 8:40 p.m. Thursday. According to family, Jayden Aguilar was 4 years old, almost 5. Jeremiah Aguilar is 2 years old.

Family member Osbaldo Aquilar, Jeremiah's brother and Jayden's uncle, was there with the boys playing catch Thursday night.

When the boys ran into the roadway to get the ball, a driver slammed into the two children.

VIDEO: Hit and run victim's final moments caught on camera

Little Jayden Aguilar spent his last moments on earth with family at a park in north Harris County

"When I ran to rescue, I saw my little brother [Jeremiah] five feet, ten feet away from the impact. I picked him up. He was the one I saw breathing. I picked him up, put him in the grass. He started crying. When I went back to Jayden, he was not breathing at all. That's when I realized that God had gained an angel," said Osbaldo Aguilar.

Jeremiah was taken to Texas Children's Hospital. Osbaldo Aguilar says Jeremiah got out of surgery Friday morning. He has a broken leg, but is recovering.

Osbaldo Aguilar says Jayden tried to push Jeremiah out of the way. Jayden was hit head on, but he saved the life of little Jeremiah, Osbaldo Aguilar says.

A field of debris could be found near where little Jayden died. Parts of the suspect's vehicle were strewn along the grass.

Family member Doris Aguilar says that driver carelessly drove off without stopping.

VIDEO: Family pleads for driver to turn themselves in

The boys' aunt, Doris Aguilar, says the driver needs to turn themselves in to officers

"Whoever caused this, if he has a heart, [he needs] to come forward," Doris Aguilar says.

Deputies say they are looking for a dark orange or red pickup or SUV, believed to be a Chevy Avalanche, according to a witness. The vehicle would have some minor front-end damage, but deputies aren't certain the extent of the vehicle's damage.

VIDEO: Hit and run driver sought

A 5-year-old boy is dead and his 3-year-old relative is in the hospital after a hit and run driver plowed into the two boys and then drove off

Eyewitness News has learned children regularly push out the fence, crawl under it and retrieve balls that go over the fence at this park.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page. If you'd like to help, you can here.