NEWS

Vigil for girl struck, killed in Colerain Twp.

Cameron Knight, and Rebecca Butts
Cincinnati
April Baker visits the memorial of Bridgette Shepherd with her grandmother.

Family and friends gathered on the narrow Pippen Road shoulder Monday night for a vigil honoring Bridgette Shepherd, who was struck by a car and killed Sunday.

This is the second vigil in as many days for the 12-year-old who was hit when she and a group of girls attempted to cross the street near the corner of Pippin Road and Townterrace Drive at 12:18 p.m., according James Love, Colerain Township police public information officer.

Members of the community stopped at the vigil throughout the day on Monday, leaving stuffed animals, flowers and notes.

Shepherd was described on a poster at her memorial as "energetic," "everlasting," "bright," "beautiful," and having an "enormous spirit."

"You will always be remembered, you sweet angel," another message read. "She was a kind-hearted young lady who helped everyone who needed it."

The girls tried to cross at an area that does not have a crosswalk, Love said.

Medical crews reported that Shepherd flipped over the vehicle and suffered a severe head injury.

A witness ran to her and began to administer CPR. Emergency crews responded within 5 minutes and transported her to Mercy Fairfield Hospital.

The Enquirer confirmed that she succumbed to her injuries after talking with friends and well-wishers Monday evening at the memorial set up at the site of the accident.

There doesn't appear to be any wrongdoing on the driver's part, Love said.

The driver stopped immediately after the incident and is cooperating with police. The speed limit in the area is 35 mph.

This is the second time this month a child has been seriously injured after being struck by vehicle in Colerain Township.

Cincinnati.com will continue to update this story as the investigation unfolds.