‘Missing a piece of ourselves’: Family remembers 13-year-old killed in Fort Worth hit-and-run
Police are still searching for the driver accused of killing a 13-year-old in a hit-and-run last week, according to the victim’s stepmother.
Apollo Rogers, a student at the Young Men’s Leadership Academy, was walking home with his older sister following an after-school program on Thursday, Nov. 14, and was in a crosswalk when Fort Worth police say he was hit by a white Jeep Cherokee.
Police say the Cherokee was speeding and ran a red light, and that Rogers was using the crosswalk at the appropriate time. The crash occurred in the 3700 block of Stalcup Road at the intersection with Berry Street in east Fort Worth.
Fort Worth police responded about 8 p.m. to the vehicle-pedestrian crash and learned that the driver fled the scene immediately after striking the child.
Fort Worth firefighters along with MedStar responded and transported the victim to Cook Children’s hospital, where he died. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office gave Rogers’ age as 12, but family members said he recently celebrated his 13th birthday.
Apollo’s stepmother, Tarena Carter, told WFAA-TV the family’s message to the driver is, “Just please turn yourself in. Don’t live with the guilt of knowing that you have killed an innocent child.”
Apollo loved school, spending time outside, and especially being with his family, who are now in shock and disbelief, Carter told the Star-Telegram.
Carter described her stepson as “helpful, sweet and responsible,” and said he was always willing to help others.
Apollo wanted to pursue computer programming as a career and loved to play video games and eat, Carter said.
“Why would you take an innocent life and not render aid?” Carter said when asked what she would say to the driver. “It’s not fair for us to lose a child like that and we’re missing a piece of ourselves right now.”
A GoFundMe for Apollo’s funeral costs had raised almost $6,000 as of Monday, Nov. 18.
The Fort Worth Police Traffic Unit is investigating Rogers’ death and searching for the driver. Police said they’re reviewing surveillance video and data from license-plate readers.
In a statement Fort Worth ISD officials confirmed that Rogers was a student in the district.
“Our thoughts and hearts are with the student and their family during this difficult time,” the district’s statement said. “In this moment of sorrow, we ask families for continued support for our campus community — our scholars and staff alike.”
Grief counselors were available on campus Friday morning to provide support and resources, school officials said.
This story was originally published November 14, 2024 at 10:27 PM.
