PSA: He was pronounced dead December 21st.

On December 17, our lives were changed forever.

My brother, Dennis Richardson, was only 17 years old. Born on January 10, 2008, Dennis was a hardworking, motivated young man who took pride in earning his own money. He had just bought his own bike and was genuinely happy and excited about it.

That night, while riding his bike home from work at McDonald’s, Dennis was hit by a car in a hit-and-run accident. The driver did not stop. No aid was given. Dennis was left lying there for about an hour before someone finally found him.

He was transported from Detar Hospital in Victoria, Texas, to BAMC Hospital in San Antonio, where doctors discovered severe internal bleeding. We were told Dennis suffered brain death and that he was likely already gone by the time he arrived. Testing showed no brain activity. Because Dennis is a minor, doctors are required to run a second test before a final determination is made.

No mother should ever be put in a position where she may be forced to make this kind of decision for her child. No family should have to experience this kind of pain.

Dennis was a good kid with a bright future. He loved to work, stayed focused, and was about his hustle and grind. He had a beautiful smile, a strong work ethic, and a presence that meant something to everyone who knew him. The world deserves to know his name, and he deserves justice.

Our family was not prepared for this tragedy and is now facing overwhelming medical expenses, funeral costs, and transportation expenses to bring Dennis home from San Antonio to Houston. We are asking for help during this extremely difficult time.

If you are able to donate, anything helps. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page so Dennis’s story can reach more people. This will be monitored by his mother Lashay Murphy and his oldest sister La’Saiah Richardson.

Please note: this is the ONLY official GoFundMe for Dennis Richardson. Any other similar or duplicate GoFundMe pages are not legitimate.