JACKSONVILLE, Texas — An East Texas family is looking for answers following the hit-and-run death of their brother last Wednesday in Jacksonville.
Tayedrian Baker, 25, was struck by a vehicle while riding his bike Now, his family is hoping community members can provide details that might lead to the driver’s identification, as they cope with this loss.
“It'll never be the same. And they took him away from me. They took him away from my whole family and his friends,” his younger sister Taytrelle Baker said.
The day before Thanksgiving, in the 1000 block of Austin Street in Jacksonville, Tayedrian Baker lost his life — just two houses from home, when an unknown vehicle struck him, police say.
While most families were coming together for the holiday, Baker’s family was at the hospital preparing for the worst.
“We didn't have a Thanksgiving,” Taytrelle Baker said. “They took that away from us.”
She and her brother were separated by just a couple of years, and he was the uncle of her son.
“Losing your best friend,” Taytrelle said. “Your brothers and your sisters are all you got, and I only have one brother left.”
Monday was especially difficult for the family as Tayedrian was supposed to be celebrating his 26th birthday, a day he loved to share with their mother, who passed away in 2012.
“Our mom’s birthday was also today. So it’s a tough day for all us,” Tayedrian’s older sister Tamantha Love said.
Love lived with Tayedrian and was there shortly after the crash happened, noting how close the crash was to their home.
“It feels awful like,” Love said. “It's a daily reminder of the tragedy that happened here.”
Family members have since knocked on doors and posted on social media, urging the community to share any information about Tayedrian's death. They are also calling on the person responsible to come forward. The family is desperate for answers and closure.
“We're doing everything we can and I won't stop fighting until my death date comes,” Taytrelle said.
Tayedrian was remembered by his sisters as a music lover, a dedicated family member and an aspiring entrepreneur. They described him as a generous and loving man who gave to others, even in his final hours. As an organ donor, Tayedrian was able to save six lives after his death.
“He's still helping someone,” Love said. “Being the great person he was even after death.”
Taytrelle added no one deserved what happened to her brother, adding he's supposed to be home with his family.
“I could even understand if it was probably just an accident, but just come forward and just say that because we're here with no closure,” Love said.
Tayedrian’s funeral service will be held at Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville at 2 p.m. Saturday, and the family is organizing a balloon release scheduled for Friday.
They have set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses here.
Police are urging the public to come forward with any information related to the case. Those who have information are asked to call 903-586-2549 and speak with detectives. People may remain anonymous.
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