COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Saturday, a family of four was crossing the street near Cleveland and East 25th avenues when they were hit by a car. The Columbus Division of Police said the family stopped in the middle of the road, and that’s when they were hit.
Two kids, 4-month-old Zy’Quarious Hamilton and 5-year-old Zy'Yhon Scott, were killed.
“She was just trying to cross, just trying to cross. We don’t know what she was thinking about or why she was out there that late,” said Susie Dunn, the cousin of the victims.
Their family is left devastated after suddenly losing the two young children.
“The loss is horrific. Oh my goodness, we were so attached to them from birth to the age when they left,” said Mary Zacarias, the aunt of the victims.
Zy’Yhon's cousin said he was always smiling and looking out for his siblings.
“A very outgoing, happy, very friendly, vey kind little boy,” said Dunn.
Zy’Yhon just graduated from pre-school and he had big dreams.
“He said I want to be a police officer when I grow up. With him saying that, police officers do what? Help people. That can tell you what type of kid he was,” said Dunn.
Zy’quavious was just born in June.
“Very happy, handsome young baby. He had hazel eyes and sandy brown hair,” said Dunn.
Their other sibling, Zymir is still in the hospital recovering. Their mom, Danae, had surgery on both of her legs.
“She suffered a broken pelvis, broken nose. She has about 20 stitches down the middle of her forehead,” said Dunn.
The family said the tragedy was preventable. They wish people were a little more cautious when driving down Cleveland Avenue.
“I definitely think people should be more aware especially in that area. Even if it was dark or she was standing in the street or whatever the case was,” said Dunn.
The city of Columbus said they are adding signalized intersections next year to the area where the family was hit. The family said that’s something they definitely want to see.
“More crosswalks in that area would be fantastic. Not only to our family but other families,” said Dunn.
Police are still investigating the crash, but said the driver of the vehicle was found not to be at fault.
The family set up a GoFundMe to help with the funeral costs of the children.