Police: Girl, 6, dies after being hit by DUI driver; more charges may be filed

SHALER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 6-year-old girl died early Sunday at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh after she was hit by a car in Shaler Township.

The medical examiner’s office identified the girl as Ava Campbell.

Ava was hit by a vehicle driven by Travis Grayson, 20, of Millvale, about 10:30 p.m. Saturday on Locust Ridge Drive, police said. Grayson showed signs of impairment and smelled of alcohol when he was arrested after the accident, according to police.

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Witnesses told police that Grayson’s vehicle went off the road, striking the girl and her mother who were standing in a driveway with a second child.

The girl was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday. Her mother refused medical treatment.

A criminal complaint said Grayson told police that he had consumed at least 10 beers before the accident, adding that he drank the first two while his mother was home.

Police said that whether his mother will also face charges is undetermined. Some witnesses said Grayson was drinking on the front porch while his mother was inside the house. At this point, it’s unclear whether she knew he was drinking, police said. Authorities told Channel 11 News that they have not ruled out anything.

Grayson also told officers that he smoked a bowl of marijuana earlier in the day, according to the criminal complaint.

Additionally, the complaint said he told police that he was driving 55 mph in a 25 mph zone, and that when he went around the bend he was “driving like a stupid idiot and drove irresponsibly” before he lost control of his car.

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“The loss of any life is horrible, but the loss of a child is the worst, and to die in such a senseless, horrible way,” neighbor Bobbie Zisman said.

Grayson is charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, involuntary manslaughter, driving under the influence, three counts of recklessly endangering another person, reckless driving and careless driving.

Donations for Ava's funeral fund are being accepted at the following address:

Dave and Amber Campbell

c/o Allegheny County Bank

2000 Mt. Troy Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

WPXI