Family of skateboarder who died in hit-and-run say their 'prayers go out' to family of driver

RENTON -- A 17-year-old boy critically injured by a hit-and-run driver Sunday has died, Renton Police said.

Around 5:40 p.m. Sunday, police received calls of a hit-and-run in the 4200 block of NE 1st Place in Renton, police said. Police found a 17-year-old boy critically injured at the scene. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center where he later died. He was identified as Andrew Finnell.

His family issued a statement Tuesday:

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the death of our beloved Andrew. His amazing character and energy will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to the family of the driver – this was a tragic accident affecting many.  We respectfully and firmly request privacy at this very difficult time. No interviews or additional statements will be given."

Police have arrested a 16-year-old suspect in the hit-and-run, and he is being held at the King county Juvenile Detention Facility.

The suspect was identified through a friend of the victim, police said, who told the victim's brother. The victim's brother located a photo of the suspect on Facebook and positively identified the teen in the photo as the driver of the suspected vehicle, police said.

The 16-year-old is suspected to be charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in death. He is scheduled to appear in court at Tuesday.