COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Columbia native who was hit by an impaired driver down in Florida has passed away from the serious injuries she sustained in the crash.
A family spokesman told News19 that London Harrell passed away late Friday night. The 21-year-old was a 2016 Spring Valley High School graduate and senior at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
She'd been in critical condition since the incident. In the days since it happened, her family and friends rallied to her support, using the phrase "London Strong."
Her mother posted on Facebook saying, "God called London home. She is no longer in pain and her bright light will shine in heaven- reminding us that doing for others should always be a priority. Miracles happen in many ways and for us having a few more days to spend with London was an answer to that prayer. I love you all. #londonstrong"
Last weekend, she was struck by a car while walking near the campus of the school. Police in Florida say Yousuf Hasan, 25, hit another driver minutes before hitting Harrell. Hasan fled the scene and was found later, sleeping on the ground behind his vehicle in a parking lot, according to Florida Highway Patrol incident reports.
The incident report states troopers suspect Hasan was under the influence of drugs at the time and that they took a blood sample. A Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman said Hasan is charged with two felonies including DUI and leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury, although those charges likely will change in light of her death.
Hasan had bonded out of jail. During a court hearing, Harrell's father pleaded with the judge to not allow him to be released.
Harrell was known for her support of the Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital in Orlando, serving as a top fundraiser through events.
A vigil for her was held Friday night in Blythewood, where her family and friends gathered in prayer.
"I never saw her without a smile, ever," says Sandra Watts.
Watts helped Harrell with pageants at Spring Valley High School.
"Some people will bounce into a room and they're just bright lights and all that," says Watts. "London glowed. She started off softly and the more you knew her the bigger her light got and the more you saw her spirit."
Her sorority also held an event for her down in Orlando at the same time as Friday night's vigil in Blythewood..