The family of Dominique Berryhill is devastated by the sudden and violent loss of life that occurred at West 28th Street and East Riverside Drive on Sunday.
Indianapolis police are currently in pursuit of the driver responsible for a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a woman on Sunday night. After the collision, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene, leaving authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
Dominique Berryhill, a 32-year-old individual, has been identified by the Marion County coroner as the unfortunate victim of the fatal hit-and-run incident.
The tragic incident that occurred on Sunday at the intersection of West 28th Street and East Riverside Drive has devastated her family.
Chamika Dillard, Berryhill’s cousin, expressed her honest struggle, describing it as a difficult reality to accept. She emphasized the immense toughness of the situation.
Domi Berryhill, known for her outgoing and funny personality, was an independent individual. She leaves behind a loving 13-year-old daughter and a close-knit extended family.
Domi was known as the life of the party, and she was eagerly looking forward to celebrating her upcoming birthday in just a few weeks.
Corey Berryhill Jr., her cousin, described her as someone who could light up the entire room with her mere presence.
Dillard added that if she could assist you, she would gladly do so, emphasizing that she was an incredibly helpful and caring individual.
On Sunday night, right before 8:30 p.m., she found herself at Riverside Park for a lively block party, car show, and get-together that she never misses, week after week.
A night of fun with friends is usually the norm.
But this time, someone driving recklessly took her life, according to IMPD.
According to investigators, a driver was speeding and lost control of their vehicle on 28th Street. The car then struck Domi, who was standing next to her car and talking to friends.
IMPD Lt. Anthony Patterson described the incident, stating that an adult female was standing beside a vehicle when she attempted to evade the car before being hit. Unfortunately, the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck her. Lt. Patterson expressed his disgust at the driver’s actions, as they fled the scene.
“We believe that she deserves prison time because she was just an innocent bystander. Whoever did it, whether it was him or her, should be held accountable,” expressed Dillard on behalf of the family.
Not only are Domi’s friends and family grieving this tragic loss, but also the witnesses who made valiant efforts to save her on that fateful Sunday evening.
“We were startled by the sound of the accident. The noise of the crowd grew louder, and we could hear people desperately pleading for help,” Sydney “Bumpy” Johnson recounted. “It’s heartbreaking to think that she didn’t deserve such a tragedy. She was simply out there to enjoy herself, just like everyone else.”
Johnson, a skilled nurse, has recently obtained certification to train others in CPR.
At the block party, she was also present when the crash occurred. Witnesses immediately sprang into action, with a group of men promptly dialing 911 to summon the police and medical assistance.
Johnson, her mother, and another bystander sprung into action, performing CPR and providing crucial care during a critical moment.
“We held her hand, checked her pulse, and administered compression. I provided breaths, doing everything in our power to save her life because she is somebody’s baby,” she expressed. “Although it is disheartening that our efforts were not successful, this incident was completely avoidable and tragic. Nevertheless, my main objective was to ensure the family knew that she was not alone during that moment.”
A mother’s daughter has now departed.
Her family is currently seeking justice and pleading with all drivers to prioritize safety.
“We are seeking justice,” Dillard expressed passionately. “Our utmost desire is to see justice served.”
“Drivers, please reduce your speed,” Berryhill pleaded. “Fasten your seatbelt and pay attention to the traffic sign, as we are now faced with the heartbreaking reality of living without our beloved for an indefinite period of time.”
On Friday night at 7:00, the family is organizing a balloon release in remembrance of Berryhill at the crash site located at 28th and Riverside.
Everyone is invited to attend.
The IMPD is urging anyone who has information about the driver responsible for hitting her to step forward and cooperate with the detectives. If you have any tips, you can also provide them anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.