Dozens gather at vigil for student killed in hit-and-run

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The family of a Georgia Tech student killed in a hit-and-run are calling for the driver to come forward.

Ruth Bakatukanda, 23, was hit by a driver on I-85 last Saturday. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she died days later.

More than 100 people gathered at a vigil for her Saturday at her high school alma mater, Peachtree Ridge.

“It just shows how much life she’s impacted for people from all walks of life to come and celebrate her,” said Christelle Bakatukanda, the victim’s sister.

Those who knew Ruth Bakatukanda said she was beloved by many.

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“She just had this warm, contagious spirit about her and she just was amazing all the time,” said Courtney Ondre, the victim’s former dance teacher.

Police said there is limited information about what happened when Bakatukanda was hit. The driver is still at large.

The victim’s family and friends want the person responsible to turn themselves in.

“It would mean for the family closure and for the friends closure. It would mean peace of mind,” friend Taylor Adkins said.

For now, friends and family will take time to remember the loved one they lost as their fight for justice continues.

“I will not sleep until I know exactly the detail of what happened,” Christelle Bakatukanda said.

Anyone with information on the case should call Fulton County police.

Cox Media Group