Would Sidewalks, Lights Have Prevented Girl's Death?

INDIANAPOLIS -- Family members and friends of a 12-year-old girl who was killed Tuesday night when she was struck by a car on Indianapolis' west side wonder if the girl might not have been hit had there been sidewalks or street lights in the area.

Helaina Hawkins, a Wayne Township middle school student, was hit as she rollerbladed with friends near 10th Street and Country Club Road, on the city's far-west side, at about 6 p.m.

About a dozen of Hawkins' friends came to the crash site Wednesday, placing flowers at a makeshift memorial, hugging and crying on the shoulders of others, 6News' Rick Hightower reported.

"She would always laugh at everything. I remember the first time I met her, she would always have a smile and … bounced around and stuff," said friend Alix Keller. "She was so happy."

The girl's father, Roger Hawkins, fought off emotions as he described the pain of losing his daughter.

"She was my world," Hawkins said. "From making cupcakes together, making ice cream sundaes, we had a lot of father-daughter time."

When the accident happened, it was already dark on a road with no street lights and no sidewalks.

"I think they would have … had more time to stop had he seen her," said Nicole Hawkins, Helaina's mother.

Indianapolis officials said they last looked at the area for possible infrastructure updates eight years ago. Despite heavy traffic, the city considers pedestrian traffic in the area light, which is why it hasn't been considered a priority area for sidewalks, until now.

"It is definitely something we know we need to address," said Steve Hardiman, of the Department of Public Works.

Hardiman said the city needs about $108 million to get all the sidewalks up to par, but there is only a $3 million budget for sidewalks.

Hawkins was a 7th-grader at Chapel Hill, where it was a rough day for staff and students.

"We have put extra counselors there for this week and, really, beyond if needed," said Cheri O'Day, the school system's communications officer.

Students were given the opportunity to make a sign or picture in remembrance of Hawkins.

Funeral arrangements are being made at Conkle Funeral Home in Speedway, where donations to a burial fund can also be made.

Nicole Hawkins said she hopes the area is made safer so other parents don't go through what her family has.

"She'll be missed. She was a shining star, and the light is out," she said.