Vigil held for teen killed in S. LA hit-run

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A vigil was held Sunday for a teenager killed by a hit-and-run driver in South Los Angeles.

Friends and classmates gathered at the scene where 17-year-old Andrew Lopez was killed instantly when he was run down just after 6 p.m. Thursday.

The high school senior was riding his skateboard to soccer practice at the time. He was crossing Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Budlong Avenue when friends say the suspect made a sudden U-turn, striking Lopez.

The female driver, who has not been identified, apparently stopped, but took off again. However, police tracked her down and arrested her. She faces felony charges.

The oldest of five siblings, friends say school and soccer were the teen's top priorities. He planned to go to college in San Diego.

Classmates say Lopez always had a way of lighting up the room.

"He was a really funny and goofy guy, he would always make us smile," said friend Brenda Bravo.

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car crash, hit and run, los angeles news, leanne suter

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