Samuel Johnson: Teen dies in suspected hit-and-run trying to rescue injured dog
VALDOSTA, GEORGIA: Authorities in Valdosta, Georgia are looking into the death of an adolescent who died in what they believe to be a hit-and-run incident while attempting to save an injured dog.
According to a release from the Valdosta Police Department, Samuel Johnson Jr saw an injured dog on the street on Saturday and went to assist it when he was "struck" by another car that was leaving the area.
Valdosta Wildcats football team expresses grief
The 16-year-old was later found on the ground by another person who was passing by, the report states. When the woman arrived on the scene, she had only seen one dead dog on the street and another injured dog next to Johnson.
According to the release report, the police located the car quickly after identifying it as having damage to the driver's side front bumper.
The report lacked clarity regarding the identification of the vehicle's owner or driver by the authorities; the latter did not promptly reply to PEOPLE's inquiry for more information.
Johnson played football in high school, and tributes posted online indicate that the community is mourning his loss.
The high school football team Johnson played for, the Valdosta Wildcats, posted on Instagram on Monday stating that they are "heartbroken and devastated."
On his obituary page, someone wrote, "Sam was like a brother to me he was my right-hand man whenever I needed something he would be there for me."
The Valdosta police said that an investigation is still underway and that they would not comment further.
