Eastpointe, Michigan – An 18-year-old Metro Detroit teenager is recovering after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash, an incident her family describes as their worst nightmare. Despite suffering severe injuries and undergoing emergency surgery, the teen says she vividly remembers the terrifying moments leading up to the impact.
Incident Overview
The victim, De’asia Pesti, was hit by a car on Tuesday while attempting to reach a bus stop near 8 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue. The crash left her with multiple broken bones and injuries so serious that doctors performed open-heart surgery to save her life.
Even from her hospital bed, De’asia says the memories of the crash are crystal clear.
“I remember the whole thing, even flying in the air, I saw my shoes come off,” De’asia said.
Timeline of Events
According to the family, the crash happened as De’asia was crossing near the busy intersection during her normal commute. The vehicle struck her and then fled the scene, leaving her critically injured on the roadway.
Emergency crews rushed her to the hospital, where surgeons worked to stabilize her condition. She was later transferred from the operating room to recovery, where she remains under close medical supervision.
“It’s like going on a rollercoaster, watching everyone go a million miles under you,” De’asia said, describing the moment of impact.
Details From Family and Officials
De’asia’s father, Darryl Pesti, says the moments after learning about the crash were overwhelming for the entire family.
“Everything felt like the world was flying past us, and we were standing still and we couldn’t reach her in time,” he said.
As of now, the driver involved has not been identified, and the family says investigators have not yet spoken directly with De’asia due to her stay in the intensive care unit.
Local authorities, including the Eastpointe Police Department, are investigating the hit-and-run. The family says they are still waiting for additional updates from police regarding possible suspects or vehicle descriptions.
According to a news report, officers are continuing to gather evidence and review information related to the crash.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Victim: De’asia Pesti, 18 years old
- Date of crash: Tuesday
- Location: 8 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue, Eastpointe
- Injuries: Multiple broken bones, required open-heart surgery
- Suspect status: Driver has not been located
- Case type: Hit-and-run investigation
Witness Accounts and Emotional Impact
While investigators continue searching for the driver, De’asia has taken an unexpected stance—choosing forgiveness over anger.
“I just want to be real about it,” she said. “I feel like it might have been a kid. I mean, I am not going to lie, we all do dumb stuff when we are young… just turn yourself in.”
Her words have resonated with many who see the case as both a tragedy and a reminder of accountability behind the wheel.
Additional Context: Pedestrian Safety in Metro Detroit
Busy corridors like 8 Mile Road see heavy traffic daily, increasing risks for pedestrians—especially near bus stops and intersections. Safety advocates stress the importance of:
- Slowing down near crosswalks and transit stops
- Remaining alert for pedestrians, especially during early morning and evening hours
- Immediately stopping and calling 911 after any collision
Leaving the scene of a crash not only delays lifesaving aid but can also result in serious criminal charges.
Conclusion
As De’asia Pesti continues her long recovery, her family hopes someone with information will come forward and that the driver involved will take responsibility. For now, they are focusing on healing—both physically and emotionally—after an incident that changed their lives forever.
If you or someone you know witnessed the crash or has information that could help investigators, contacting local authorities could make a critical difference. Share your experiences in the comments below.
