INDIANAPOLIS — Avery Devon Neal’s family has faced tragedy before, yet previously, they were the ones who survived. Neal was among those who endured the 2021 shooting at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, emerging from the event shaken but safe.

More than four years later, his family is now figuring out what to say in the aftermath of a hit-and-run that ended his life Saturday.

But ask them to describe him and the words keep flowing: hilarious, fun, mindful and as the second youngest of four, he was of course, mischievous.

“Obviously, we’re all in shock, we’re very much in shock,” expressed Neal’s older brother, Darren Meyers. “We aren’t quite sure how to process this moment right now.”

According to Metro Police, officers discovered Neal’s body at the crossroads of Michigan and Cooper roads on Indianapolis’s northwest side just before midnight on Sunday.

The Marion County coroner ruled Neal died from being hit by a car. IMPD says the driver fled the scene and detectives are investigating the crash.

By Monday afternoon, police had not yet provided a suspect or vehicle description.

Neal’s family says he was heading to his mother’s house and just got off the bus.

“He was coming here, coming home,” Meyers said. “He was getting off the bus coming home.”

Meyers said a good Samaritan stopped in traffic after seeing Neal lying in the road, using their car to block traffic. 

“It’s not worth it, taking someone else’s life because you’re trying to get to a destination,” said his aunt, Regina.

Neal was a graduate of North Central High School and exemplified both mental and physical strength. He participated in marathons and other races, with the Turkey Trot being an annual event he cherished, which his family plans to run in his honor this coming month.

“We really loved Avery. He had a lot of life in front of him,” Meyers said.

The hit-and-run incident on Saturday represents the tenth this year in Indianapolis, based on data from Safe Streets Indy. This brings the total number of pedestrian fatalities to twenty-five since January 1, with three occurring in October alone, already surpassing last month’s figures.

“In recent months, our trend is heading in a concerning direction, but overall, there’s still a decline,” noted Eric Holt, founder of Safe Streets. “The crucial moments immediately following an accident can be the deciding factor between life and death. Therefore, it’s vital for drivers to stop and ensure the injured party receives the necessary assistance.”