Killed Malvern Teen Remembered at Candlelight Vigil

MALVERN, AR — A community is heartbroken after a 14-year-old dies from his injuries in what police say was a hit and run. 

Officers say John Hern, 14, was outside his Malvern home with two of his friends when a car hit him from behind. Monday, family and friends honored the boy who many said had a magnetic personality.

“It feels very horrible to know that you watched your friend get run over by a car,” says the victim’s friend Brandon Smith, 13. 

The last few days have changed Smith’s life.

“I’ve never really been in a situation like this,” he says.

Smith says he was with John at the time of the accident. He says they were pushing a dirt bike up Highland Avenue on Thursday. 

“I just watched his dad just be there with his son. It was, it was sad,” says witness Kristy Taylor.

Police say the driver was Brian Hartman, 20. Officers say Hartman struck John and sped away. Hartman was later caught and believed to be under the influence.

At the vigil, dozens of loved ones flooded the street where the teen was struck. Friends say John, a kid with a big personality, died after battling for his life for three days.

“It doesn’t shock me that these people would come out. It is just like a big warm blanket wrapped around you to see this community support,” says the victim’s aunt, Stephanie Hern.

Crosses with his name decorated the vigil. Tears fell and cries were heard throughout the ceremony. Smith says it’s hard to understand his friend is gone, and does not know what to do with the pain he feels.

“I guess cry, but John said he didn’t like cry babies,” says Smith.

The Prosecutor’s Office says it is waiting on the conclusion from the Malvern Police Department investigation to release updated charges against Hartman.