A 16-year-old girl from West Palm Beach, reported missing since March 25, was tragically hit and killed by a car while trying to cross a busy roadway. As per the West Palm Beach Police Department, Kairi Krute was last seen alive in the 500 block of 35th Street, around 7:30 p.m. the day before the accident.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office revealed that the fatal incident occurred in the early morning hour of March 26 on Southern Boulevard near Kirk Road. The police, after an extensive search, were able to confirm that the victim of the accident to be the missing teen. According to a social media post by the West Palm Beach Police Department, it stated "It was later confirmed that the girl who died was Kairi Krute." The unfortunate event unfolded just steps away from the Palm Beach International Airport. The driver and passenger of the involved 1999 Acura TL, ages 36 and 22 respectively, did not sustain any injuries.
WPTV reported that Kairi was attempting to cross the westbound lanes of the boulevard when the collision occurred. The driver of the vehicle has not been charged at this time and the investigation remains ongoing.
Immediate identification of Krute proved difficult for the authorities after the accident, with deputies unable to confirm her identity initially. However, subsequent investigations eventually led to match her with the missing person report filed the day prior. "Officers were hunting for the 16-year-old runaway, and posted her information for assistance in the search," according to a statement obtained by WESH. The community and authorities alike are now mourning the loss of the young girl whose life was cut short so abruptly.
