Jayla Chang was just six.
Her death in a hit-and-run crash in Surrey Sunday has forever changed her family.
“(We’re) just really missing her right now. It’s really hard,” her older brother told CTV News.
He didn’t want his name used, but described his sister as “a real bright personality, always happy.”
“No one disliked her,” he said. “(She) just brought so much joy to the world.”
On Tuesday, he was at the still-growing memorial for Jayla, where he carried one of his sister’s favourite tiny purses filled with snacks.
“She always had a purse full of snacks, so we thought we may as well bring her some,” he said.
Jayla was walking with her parents and two siblings Sunday around 4 p.m. when, police say, all three children were hit by a vehicle that fled the scene. Jayla’s 16-year-old brother and seven-year-old sister were also injured. Despite the efforts of first responders, Jayla did not survive.
A suspect was arrested in Surrey about an hour later and released without charges.
Other relatives also arrived at the memorial Tuesday, including Millana Mena.
“What I can say about Jayla is she was full of life. She loved to dance, she loved to dance with her cousins, with me,” said Mena.
“We’re going to miss Jayla so deeply,” said another relative, Kaisorn Soundara.
“Life won’t be the same without her being around. The whole family is so shaken by this incident,” she said, adding that Jayla had a beautiful smile and a love for all her cousins and relatives.
Jayla’s older brother, who said an online fundraiser has been launched to help the family, also said the family is grateful to the community for all the support that’s been shown.
“It means a lot to know we have the support of everyone,” he said.
Police say their investigation is complex, with multiple scenes, and could take months to complete. The Surrey Police Service says alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the horrific collision.
