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Family of Kiersten Walko pleading with driver to come forward

Posted at 11:14 PM, Nov 02, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-02 23:14:32-04

Kiersten Walko's aunt is wearing her niece's dancing sweatshirt and remembering the North County High Senior.

"She's just beautiful and she's funny and she just has the best personality," says Stephanie Shade.

Walko's uncle, Ben Wengert, says she lit up a room.

"I called her the movie star of the family," Wengert says. "Kids ran to her when she walked in the house. She was really a great person. I know people say that all the time but Kiersten really was a great person."

Wednesday, she was taken away from her family five days after being struck by a car in Severn. Walko was leaving a house party with a group early Saturday morning, according to investigators. They say that's when the vehicle turned onto West B&A Road, hit Walko and drove away.

"He knew he hit somebody and he kept on going. This person needs to be caught. An accident is an accident but he kept going, so it just shows the cruelty," Wengert said.

Police say they interviewed several people who were at the party, but have not made any arrests. They're now looking for a silver car with tinted windows, a vehicle that likely has a broken headlight or windshield.

"Everyone is looking and everyone is helping us and sending in tips," said Shade. "We'll find him, you know."

Walko's aunt is tearfully pleading with the community to not let up until the driver comes forward.

"Continue to keep Kiersten alive and in our thoughts and in our memories and realize that just because she's not here doesn't mean she's gone," she said.

Friends and family plan to honor Kiersten at Friday's North County High School football game, and again at a vigil planned for Saturday.

The family is also raising money for funeral expenses here.