DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A family is in mourning after Daytona Beach police said 62-year-old Paul Dborak struck 19-year-old Stephanie Boebert Monday morning. Officials said Boebert was crossing Nova Road, on her way to Mainland High School.
"It's a couple of miles from here to the high school. I don't see why she would be walking," said Susan Boebert, Stephanie's mother.
Investigators said Boebert died at the scene. The driver pulled over.
"She was a good girl. She had a lot of problems in her life," said Boebert.
The family said Stephanie had Alfi's Syndrome, a rare chromosomal condition that affects daily life.
"They said she'd never walk or talk, but hey, she graduated last year," Susan Boebert said.
Not only that, but she received medals while in junior ROTC and deferred her diploma so she could continue taking employability and life skills classes.
"She really liked being around people," said Michael Boebert, Stephanie's brother.
The family said Stephanie also loved to volunteer at church and watch cartoons.
"If you want to make her happy, get her something Pokemon related. She loved Legos. She seemed to like anime," he said.
Mainland High School also mourned the loss of one of their own. The school released this statement:
"Stephanie Boebert earned her high school diploma last year as a 2016 graduate, but she deferred her graduation status for the opportunity to attend Mainland for another year in order acquire additional experiences in learning life and employability skills. Stephanie was also a part of the AFJROTC program and served as a student aide for offices throughout the school.
We are deeply saddened to lose this very special Buccaneer – to say that our hearts are broken could only begin to describe the emptiness we now face each day without Stephanie."
"We're going to miss her," said Michael Boebert.
Police are still investigating but said the driver will most likely face a non-criminal citation because Boebert had been using the crosswalk.