Teen Struck In Fatal Hit & Run Released From Hospital
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DANIA BEACH (CBSMiami) - A 14-year-old boy who was struck in a hit and run was released from the hospital Wednesday—two and a half months after the accident which claimed the life of his younger brother.
Kelv-ron Florence left Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood Wednesday on a wheelchair.
"I want to thank everyone for praying for me and for helping my family to pull through," Florence said Wednesday.
Florence has made tremendous progress after he and his 8-year-old brother, AJ Brown, were struck while they were walking home on Bryan Road in Dania Beach on December 8, 2014.
Brown died of his injuries on December 19th. He was laid to rest on December 27th.
"I'm happy he's home but you know we lost one and I wish he was here--but he's with us in spirit," said Selena Brown, the boys' mother.
Florence's recovery is ongoing. He's suffered hearing loss and is not yet able to walk on his own.
His father, Apollo Brown, remains hopeful.
"One day he's gonna be out of that chair. It's a temporary thing--in the future he'll be walking again," said Brown.
Kelvron said he definitely will walk again
"I'm gonna walk soon but not now," he said.
While Kelvron recovers from his physical injuries, it's the emotional scars of losing his best friend his brother that may take longest to heal.
"This is his only brother," said Selena Brown. "We never expect this. I thought both of my boys would pull through."
Brown said Kelvron wears this picture of his brother and family every day.
"All we can do is come closer to one another, hold on to each other, cry together," Brown said.
Florence will be going to therapy three times a week.
Weeks after the accident, 22-year-old Zachary Benjamins was arrested.
Benjamins, accused of running down the brothers, was released on bond in January despite family's objections.
Benjamins is confined to his West Park home while he awaits trial. He declined to speak to CBS4 on Wednesday.
