A Glendale community is gripped by tragedy following the death of 13-year-old Elias Bizzle, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a hit-and-run while riding his bike nearly two weeks prior.

Elias, described by his father as an exceptional child who balanced sports with straight A's, was hit at the intersection of 47th and Northern Avenues on April 11. The driver, 27-year-old Joshua Holbert, initially fled the scene, leaving Elias to fight for his life on support for 12 harrowing days. In a statement obtained by 12 News, Elbert Bizzle encapsulated the family's ongoing nightmare, "Every day you wake up thinking you’re in a dream but everyday you’re back to the same nightmare." Speculation remains around Holbert's motives to immediately leave the scene of the accident, yet he later admitted to police his involvement in the incident.

Holbert, who now faces a slew of charges in connection with the hit-and-run, has pleaded not guilty despite his confession. With a record of reckless driving behind him, the stakes are high for the Bizzle family, who, according to 12 News, demand the maximum penalty under the law. "We want these charges to be put to the max," Elbert Bizzle said, expressing a sentiment rooted in unfathomable loss.

Following the tragic event, the Bizzle family has taken up the torch for safer streets to ensure no other family endures similar pain. Yet, amid calls for justice, there’s an equally powerful plea for remembrance. "I want everyone to remember that he loved being a kid and I don’t want any of you kids to be afraid being a kid," Victoria Bizzle told 12 News in a heart-wrenching statement.

Meanwhile, technology played a key role in tracking down the fleeing suspect. Detailed in court documents, Glendale police were able to use traffic cameras and surveillance footage to locate Holbert's damaged Chevrolet Trailblazer, which reportedly had an American flag attached at the moment of impact, as reported by Arizona's Family. Holbert is scheduled to appear in court this June. Friends of the Bizzle family have set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical and funeral expenses.