Teen killed, brother critical in Orange County hit-and-run crash

17-year-old killed while riding on bicycle, troopers say

ORLANDO, Fla. – The search continues for the hit-and-run driver who killed a 17-year-old University High student and critically injured her brother.

[PICS: Car found in fatal hit-and-run]

The crash happened around 3:30 a.m. Friday in Orange County near the intersection of State Road 50 and Dean Road.

Right now, Florida Highway Patrol troopers have found the Mercedes car that was involved, but don't know who was behind the wheel.

Local 6 has also learned the two victims are siblings and both were seniors at University High School.

Troopers said Melanie Luque, 17, was killed while her brother, Travis Luque Exposito, 18, was critically wounded. Investigators said the two were riding a single bicycle near the busy intersection when a black Mercedes hit the siblings and took off.

According to the FHP, a woman who owns the Mercedes involved in the crash came forward 11 hours later, but she was with her attorney and would not say if she was driving the car at the time of the crash.

Friends of the victims said the two siblings were inseparable.

"(Melanie) loved everybody. She was a loving person," said family friend Kayonna Neal. "How can you just hit somebody and leave? Like two kids? That's ridiculous to me."

"It just happened so soon... I couldn't say bye," said fellow University High student Krystal Diaz. "I'm devastated. I just want (Travis) to be OK. We can't lose both."

"No mother should have to lose her children like that," said Neal.

Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates on this story.


About the Authors

Lisa Bell has been in Central Florida since 2007, covering the big stories that impact our community. Lisa was promoted to News 6 evening news co-anchor in May 2014.

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.

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