Jose Julian Morales-Diaz, 19, died after being struck by an unknown vehicle on Feb. 17, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol
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NEED TO KNOW
- A high school student in South Carolina was found dead in the road after a hit-and-run
- Jose Julian Morales-Diaz, 19, was killed after being struck by an unknown vehicle, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol
- Investigators are still looking for the driver of the vehicle
A high school student in South Carolina was found dead in the road after a hit-and-run.
According to officials in Spartanburg County, investigators with the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office were called to the scene of a hit-and-run near Howard Street and Simuel Road on Tuesday, Feb. 17, per FOX Carolina and WYFF.
Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger was dispatched to the scene at around 10 p.m. local time, and his office later identified the victim as 19-year-old Jose Julian Morales-Diaz.
Troopers told FOX Carolina that they later learned that Morales-Diaz was walking along Howard Street when an unknown vehicle hit him before fleeing the scene.
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According to the teen's obituary, Morales-Diaz was born in Chiapas, Mexico, and attended Dorman High School in Roebuck, S.C., where he was known as "a good student with a bright spirit and kind heart."
"Jose was a very happy young man who brought joy to those around him," the obituary added. "He loved soccer, especially cheering for his favorite team, Club América. Jose also had a passion for cars and dreamed of one day becoming a mechanic. Above all, he loved God and carried his faith."
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"Jose will be remembered for his smile, his big dreams, and the love he shared with his family and friends. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him," the obituary said.
Morales-Diaz is survived by his mother, grandparents, aunts and uncles and numerous other family members and friends. His memorial is set for Friday, Feb. 27.
Clevenger told FOX Carolina that administrators at Spartanburg County School District 6 are offering mental health support for their students following the tragic incident.
"Our District Six family is heartbroken over the loss of Dorman High School student, Jose Julian Morales-Diaz," the school district told the outlet in a statement.
"Jose's kindness and compassion were reflected in the meaningful connections he built with his classmates and teachers. He was a young man, full of potential and promise, whose life was tragically cut short," the statement continued. "We extend our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to his family and everyone who was blessed to know and love him."
Investigators are still looking for the driver of the vehicle.
"Anyone with information on the identity of those responsible is asked to submit your anonymous tip by calling the South Carolina Highway Patrol at 864-241-1000 or 1-800-768-1503," the agency said in a statement.
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