16-year-old killed by hit-and-run driver reportedly attended Marietta High School

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A 16-year-old pedestrian was killed by a hit-and-run driver around 11 p.m. July 13 in Cobb County, according to police.

According to preliminary findings, the teenager was walking in the right lane of State Route 360 (Powder Springs Street SW) at the Cunningham Road intersection when he was struck by a red Hyundai Santa Fe. The driver left the scene after striking the pedestrian. 

The male teenager sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cobb County Medical Examiner's Office.

The Cobb County Police Department's Special Operations S.T.E.P. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program) Unit is leading the investigation.

The next of kin has been notified, but police have not released the teenager's name. 

Marietta City Schools identified the teenager as Jaylen Fitzpatrick on Wednesday. According to their chief communications officer, Fitzpatrick was a "rising junior" at Marietta High School. Supt. Grant Rivera released the following statement:

"School administration reached out to Jaylen’s mother and has offered to support the family. We care deeply about Jaylen, we care deeply about his family, and we will make sure that we support both our students at Marietta High School, the staff, and his family in whatever way we can."

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the red Hyundai Santa Fe or its driver to contact the Cobb County Police Department STEP Unit at 770-499-3987.