A toddler lost her life at the hands of a suspected drunk driver in California, leaving her mother devastated.
Myrah Hunter, one, was sitting on the stairs outside of a Long Beach apartment with two relatives on Monday when the driver, identified as 55-year-old Lamont Russell, reversed over the curb and struck the family members.
Her mother, Meicole Johnson, let out a blood-curdling scream after witnessing the crash that killed her daughter, reported KTLA.
'The driver just came down the street and he was trying to park right there,' she told the outlet.
'He reversed and hit all of them right there that were on the stairs. My auntie had broken ribs. Her pelvis is split, rods in her back, and my niece got a broken femur.'
According to a preliminary report obtained by the Daily Mail, Long Beach Police found that 'a 2013 Chevy Captiva was making a turning movement when the vehicle reversed, at a high rate of speed, off the roadway and onto the sidewalk.'
Shortly after the crash, Johnson was visibly stricken by grief. She cried and yelled loudly as neighbors and friends attempted to comfort her.
Hunter was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries and later declared dead.
Johnson's 12-year-old niece and 45-year-old aunt were also transported to the hospital, both in stable condition.
The grieving mother told the Daily Mail that her 'whole world has been torn apart.'
'I lost a huge piece of me that I can never get back,' she said.
'She had so much personality and it breaks my heart that instead of planning her birthday, I now have to plan her memorial services due to a drunk driver,' Johnson continued. 'This pain is unbearable.'
The driver, Russell, is facing murder charges after the accident.
He reportedly remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities following the fatal crash. The family hopes to pursue the maximum punishment.
Johnson's cousin, Ali Neal, warned others against driving while impaired and taking another 'valuable life.'
'You took a life, a valuable life. You didn't take anybody that didn't matter. She mattered to everyone,' she said.
'To anybody who drinks, who drives, don't do it. Make a smart decision, order an Uber.'
The community gathered for a vigil the day after the tragic accident, releasing balloons in honor of the little girl.
'My baby was everything. smart, loving,' Johnson said. 'She loved dancing, singing, coloring.'
Johnson posted a GoFundMe to cover the costs of medical expenses, her daughter's funeral arrangements and continuing to care for her nine-month-old son, Jeremiah.
In a tribute to her, Johnson said Hunter was 'full of life.'
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, but police believed it involved a drunk driver
'Her smile lit up every room...,' she wrote. 'She was the most amazing little girl anyone could ever ask for!'
The driver had a previous DUI charge in 2015, reported CBS. California drivers with previous DUI convictions are eligible for murder charges if their next offense results in a death.
Police said 'speed, distraction and impaired driving' appear to contribute to the collision.
Russell will be arraigned on Thursday and was placed on a $335,000 bail at the Los Angeles County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.
The Daily Mail contacted Johnson for comment.