Tanicha Workman was walking her younger brother to a Cheltenham, Pa. convenience store for a snack when she took her last breath.
The 17-year-old was crossing busy Cheltenham Avenue just after 10 p.m. Wednesday when she was hit and killed by a truck, police said. The man behind the wheel didn't stop.
"Before they crossed the middle divider to the end of the street, the guy hit him literally in one second," witness Tim Tang described. "The guy was flying down the street."
Workman's brother Ryan, 12, said they figured it was safe to cross since the traffic light was red.
"There was this big white truck speeding and I saw it and I ran across and it hit her," he said. The family lives just down the street from the store.
The Cheltenham high school student's family is devastated and outraged by her death.
"That was my baby, she laid there dying," Workman's father Dereck said. He described his daughter as an exceptional student who wanted to be a lawyer one day.
Surveillance video captured the truck believed to be involved in the accident -- a silver or gray GMC or Chevy work van.
Police say the vehicle left a trail of leaking fluid, which they followed for about a mile. Unfortunately, the trail ran cold near Linwood Gardens.
Investigators believe a second car -- a small white sedan -- was following the van and hope that driver may be able to yield some clues.
They were back out at the scene Thursday to reenact the hit and run as Tanicha's loved ones posted flyers pleading for the capture of the man who mowed down the teen.
"Her life didn't even start yet and you took it from her," the girl's sister Rochelle said to news cameras. Her message intended for the suspect. "I just want you to come forward."
Anyone with information is asked to call the Cheltenham Police Anonymous Tipline at 215.885.1600 x777. Tips can also be submitted at CheltenhamTownship.org.
