VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A teen died days after a hit-and-run crash on Wednesday, Virginia Beach police told News 3 on Monday.
20-year-old Josiah Johnson-Owens faces a felony hit-and-run charge and a misdemeanor charge for no insurance in connection with the incident. Virginia Beach police said they will not pursue more charges against Johnson-Owens since they determined the bicyclist did not have the right-of-way when the crash took place.
Watch previous coverage: Virginia Beach teen critically injured in hit-and-run, driver arrested
On Wednesday, around 9:45 p.m., Virginia Beach police say they received a report of a bicyclist involved in a crash in the 2000 Block of Lynnhaven Parkway.
At the scene, a 16-year-old boy — later identified as Tremayne "T.J." Nicholson during a vigil at the Salem High School football field — was found with life-threatening injuries, according to Virginia Beach police. He was hospitalized as a result, but declared dead on Saturday. The vehicle involved in the crash had left the area before officers arrived.
According to court documents, Johnson-Owens drove to a Target parking lot before leaving his vehicle at an apartment complex near Holland Road.
Court documents state that Johnson-Owens later returned to the scene of the crash with family members and confessed to his involvement.
He allegedly told police the traffic light was turning yellow as the crash occurred.
The Nicholson family confirmed his passing in a statement posted under a GoFundMe page that was originally set up to help with medical costs while Nicholson remained hospitalized. This page will still support the family's medical expenses, but proceeds will now also cover funeral arrangements. The statement reads, in part:
"There are no words to express the pain and sorrow our family is experiencing. While we had hoped and prayed for a miracle, we are now left mourning the loss of a beloved son, family member, and friend whose life touched so many people.
As we navigate this unimaginable loss, we are also faced with the financial burden of medical expenses, funeral arrangements, and the many unexpected costs that come with such a devastating tragedy. Your continued support will help ease that burden and allow our family to focus on honoring Tremayne’s life and being there for one another during this difficult time."
Watch previous coverage: Virginia Beach community comes together for Salem High student injured in hit-and-run
"Tremayne will always be a part of the Salem Lacrosse family," wrote the Salem Men's Lacrosse Instagram account along with a photo. "His memory will live on in every practice, every game, and in the hearts of his teammates and coaches. We are grateful for the time we had with him, and we will never forget the impact he made on our lives."
During the vigil on Friday, Salem High classmates, teachers and coaches gathered to honor T.J.
"T.J. is one of the most lovable kids you could ever meet," one attendee recounted.
As the vigil came to a close, T.J.'s family looked out at the crowd and thanked everyone who has continued praying and standing beside them.
"Thank you everyone for being here with us during this difficult time," they said.
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