Family, friends mourn 16-year-old killed in Minneapolis hit-and-run

Loved ones are mourning the death of Dychaun Lavonte Chew, the 16-year-old killed when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Minneapolis earlier this week.

Chew was on 51st Avenue North in Minneapolis just after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday when the motorist - suspected of being under the influence - hit him while heading northbound. The boy, who had been skateboarding, was found unresponsive in the road. 

He was taken to North Memorial Hospital, where he died about two hours later. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner officially identified Chew Wednesday, saying he died as a result of "multiple blunt force injuries."

Chew had been a sophomore at Minneapolis South High School, according to a letter from Principal Brett Stringer, who called the teen a "scholar." 

"By all accounts of teachers and classmates, Dychaun was a bright light, an inspiration and an excellent student who spoke fondly of his family and plans for his future," Stringer continued.

On Thursday, the school held a balloon release in his honor. 

Chew's uncle, Pastor Dedrick Willis, told KARE 11 the family had just celebrated the teen's 16th birthday in April in Wisconsin Dells. Family members, in a statement, said they were "deeply hurt and saddened by this tragedy," FOX 9 reports.

The driver who hit Chew fled, according to the Minneapolis Police Department, hitting several parked cars and then attempting to turn onto 52nd Avenue North, but instead leaving the roadway and stopping in a yard. Police found him there and took him into custody.

Authorities have said drugs or alcohol were likely a factor in the crash.