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12-year-old hit-and-run victim saved friend

Boy recovering from serious injuries
Posted at 8:58 PM, Nov 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-22 02:04:12-05

12-year-old Darryle Ortega almost died while crossing the street near his home. Tampa Police said he was hit by a driver who kept on going. It happened on Hannah Avenue and 37th Street North around 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

“I am livid that my son was hit. I am livid that my son was left to die,” said Darryle’s mother Melinda Edwards.

This family just can’t understand.

“They couldn’t even get out of the car to see if I was alright,” said Ortega.

How could someone rundown a 12-year-old boy and leave the scene?

“I feel like they are a heartless person,” said father Johon Edwards.

Darryle suffered a broken femur, broken collar bone, and a concussion when a car slammed into him.

He and his family spoke to ABC Action News from a room at Tampa General Hospital.

“I guess I was just out because I didn’t feel anything,” said Ortega.

“The only thing that keeps popping into my head is seeing my baby laying on the ground face first in his own blood. I didn’t know if my baby was alive,” said his mother.

The injury to his leg is so bad, there is concern he may have trouble walking for the rest of his life.

“He wanted to be a football player. A basketball player. Play sports. He loves sports and now that may be taken from him,” said his father.

As devastating as this is, there is also tremendous pride.

Because his parents say, Darryle pushed a younger child out of the way before the impact.

“He’s my angel. My angel and my hero,” said Melinda.

“All we can do is pray. And so far my baby is still here,” said Johon.

Police are still looking for the car involved, a newer model silver sedan.

Darryle and his family hope to be out of the hospital before Thanksgiving.

The family set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses.