UPDATE: The family of 11-year-old Jayla Braxton is expressing outrage after police in Las Vegas accused the child of jaywalking following her tragic death in a road accident. The incident occurred just before 5:20 PM on November 20, 2025, near Lake Mead Boulevard and M.L.K. Boulevard, an area currently undergoing significant road construction.
Authorities confirmed that Jayla was struck by a 29-year-old driver while walking home from cheerleading practice with a classmate. Despite police statements indicating that Jayla was outside the designated crosswalk, her family vehemently defends her, asserting she was walking where the crosswalk had previously existed before construction began.
“Our children are taught well,” said Virginia Braxton, Jayla’s grandmother. “But because this happened, you don’t have the right to tell us how to train our children.” Her husband, Earl Braxton, added, “There used to be a crosswalk. It’s no longer there.”
The driver, who reportedly attempted to brake immediately upon seeing Jayla, remained at the scene and appeared unharmed, according to local news reports. The aftermath of the accident has left the community in shock, with heartbreaking images circulating, including a small sneaker and glasses found near the site.
In a poignant statement, Jayla’s mother, Earlene Braxton, expressed her grief, saying, “It’s just hard for me to fathom that I can’t hear her voice again. She’s such a beautiful little girl; the smile on her face would light up your life.”
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shared a video on social media showing the crash site, emphasizing the need for road safety. “This cannot keep happening,” the department stated, highlighting that Jayla’s death marks the 141st traffic-related fatality in their jurisdiction in 2025.
Sgt. Rich Rundell urged parents to educate their children on road safety, stating, “I’m tired of coming out on these calls where I’m having to report to parents that they just lost their kids.” He reiterated the importance of vigilance among drivers, especially around children, urging all road users to prioritize safety.
In light of this tragedy, the Braxton family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover unexpected expenses, aiming to raise $10,000. As of now, they have collected $6,195 from the community, reflecting the outpouring of support during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, both the police and the family stress the importance of road safety and the need for better awareness among both drivers and pedestrians. The community mourns the loss of a bright young girl whose life was tragically cut short, reminding all that “every choice matters” on the road.
This developing story highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures in construction zones and serves as a call to action for families to have critical conversations about road awareness with their children.
