Child Riding Horse Killed
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The Madison County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a driver who could be connected to a fatal hit and run, Tuesday night. Deputies say Richard Alan White, 28, is a person of interest in the collision that claimed the life of Amber Kendrick, 12, of Pinson. Family members of the young girl tell ABC 7 Eyewitness News White was driving his truck down Diamond Grove Road when he hit two horses, one of which the 12-year-old was riding. Charles Kendrick spoke of his daughter, “She put her heart in everything she’s done.” He said her true love was rescuing horses. He added it was not unusual for Amber to ride horses she rescued. Tuesday night, she was riding with one of her father’s friends while a second adult rode another horse. The three were returning from the ride when they were hit. Investigators say it was around 9:45 p.m when the collision occurred. They were about a mile from home. Kendrick says their trip was cut short and so was his daughter’s life. Kendrick adds, “Every few seconds, you just keep thinking you’re going to wake up and it’s all going to be different, she’s going to be there and you realize you’re awake and that’s not going to happen.” The friend riding with Amber, says White appeared to swerve and collided head on with the horse. The other friend on the second horse was also hit by the truck. He also said White reeked of alcohol, when he yelled that he was going to call the cops. But deputies say that call was never made. They say he actually took the license plate from his badly damaged truck and took off running. Sgt. Jerry Elston with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department says, “We had search teams out there this morning checking all the barns, abandoned houses, and wooded areas.” Over at the Kendrick household there is a calmness now, as they reflect on why they say their daughter had to be taken by an alleged drunk driver, before she ever reached seventh grade. Kendrick says, “It’s costing lives, it’s costing lives of people we love, people who haven’t even had the chance to experience their full potential.” Neither of the horses involved in the collision survived. Family members say they are now starting a horse farm in Amber’s honor.
