Indianapolis, IN (March 28, 2026) – An 8-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle and killed on the near east side of Indianapolis on Saturday afternoon, March 28, 2026, in a crash that has left a community grieving.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers were called to the 1200 block of North Rural Street, near East 12th Street, just before 5 p.m. on a report of a crash involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, officers discovered the pedestrian was a child. She was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition and was later pronounced dead.
On March 30, the Marion County Coroner’s Office identified the child as 8-year-old Keliyah Dycus. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with detectives. IMPD said intoxication is not believed to be a factor. Crash investigators are investigating the circumstances that led to the collision.
The cause has not been officially determined, and the investigation remains ongoing.
What Rights Does a Family Have After a Child Is Killed in a Pedestrian Accident in Indiana?
Losing a child in a traffic crash raises questions that no parent should ever have to ask. Indiana law provides families with specific legal rights, and understanding them is the first step toward knowing your options.
Can the family pursue a civil claim even if the driver is not criminally charged? Yes. A civil wrongful death claim and a criminal investigation are entirely separate legal processes. Even if the driver faces no criminal charges, the family may still pursue civil accountability for the loss of Keliyah’s life, the medical expenses incurred, and the emotional impact of this tragedy on the entire family.
What compensation can a wrongful death claim cover in Indiana? Indiana’s wrongful death statute (IC 34-23-2-1), compensation for the death of a child may include funeral and burial expenses, medical costs, and the emotional suffering of the parents and family. Every case is different – an attorney can assess the specific circumstances and identify every element of loss that applies.
Does it matter that the driver stayed at the scene? Remaining at the scene is a legal obligation – not an indication of innocence. The investigation into what caused this crash is still ongoing. Cause, speed, and contributing factors have not yet been officially determined. A civil investigation runs independently of the police investigation and can uncover details that the official report does not address.
How long does the family have to act? Indiana law requires wrongful death claims to be filed within two years of the date of death (IC 34-23-1-1). Keliyah Dycus died on March 28, 2026 – the family’s legal deadline is March 28, 2028. There is time, but evidence does not wait. The earlier an attorney is involved, the more complete the case.
If your family has lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Indianapolis or anywhere across Indiana, Langer & Langer is here to help. Our Indiana wrongful death attorneys have stood beside families like yours since 1980. When you are ready, we are here. Call us at 219-245-5881 for a free consultation.
