7-year-old hit, killed in Franklin County; driver charged with DWI

Ronnie Tanner Vick, of Youngsville, was walking west in the roadway just before 9 p.m., according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Alix Feild, 29, of Youngsville, was driving a 1997 Buick in the same direction when Vick was hit.

After hitting the child, Feild continued down the road, leaving the scene before officers arrived, officials said.

Vick died at the scene.

Troopers located Feild a short time later at a "short distance" down the road.

Vick had autism and played baseball for the Miracle League of Franklin County.

A neighbor said his mother had gone to the bathroom and when she left the room she noticed the front door was open. Neighbors began to search for the child, but he made it about a mile up the road.

"It is just a horribly sad situation. It's tragic," said Jerry Hammack, who lives nearby. "As a parent you do everything you possibly can do to protect your children and even doing that, things can happen."

Neighbors and friends said they are shaken to the core by the tragedy. They are now praying for the Vick family.

"It is something like that you don't know what to say. It's a very, very, very sad situation," said Lee Pendleton, who lives near the Vick family.

Vick was a student at Bunn Elementary School, according to Franklin County Schools officials.

“The loss of any student – especially a young child – is unfathomably difficult," said Patrick Glace, Director of Communications for Franklin County Schools. "As a district, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Vick family and we will continue to do everything we can to support them and our school community."

The school has made guidance counselors available for students.

Authorities said Feild was charged with DWI in connection with Monday's crash. She was being held on a $5,000 secured bond.

Feild has several previous convictions, including injury to personal property and battery to an unborn child.