8-year-old struck, killed by vehicle while riding her bike, family says

MCFARLAND, Wis. (WMTV/Gray News) - A child died after being hit by a vehicle in McFarland, police said.

Family members confirmed the child was 8-year-old Braeyla Marie Valenza.

“She was such a bright light in this world,” Valenza’s family said in a statement to WMTV. “She loved art, animals, her friends and most of all, her family.”

The child was riding a bike at 5:25 p.m. and tried to cross Broadhead Street at North Peninsula Way, officials said.

A vehicle driving eastbound on Broadhead Street hit the child.

McFarland Fire and Rescue took the child to a hospital for life-threatening injuries.

“Amid this tragedy, we extend our sincere condolences to the child’s family, friends and loved ones,” Village of McFarland said.

Valenza’s family is raising awareness on the danger of the intersection.

“Cars are always going way too fast and the kids are always out,” they said. “We don’t know if speed was a factor yet, but we will know once the investigation is completed ... This didn’t have to happen.”

The crash remains under investigation.