Alabama family in shambles after deadly hit-and-run

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ala. ( WHNT ) — A hit-and-run claimed the life of 31-year-old Matthew Kelley Sunday around 2 a.m., leaving his family devastated.

Kelley’s mother, Marylin Kelley, says Matthew was the best person to be around.

“He was a hard worker, caring, he brought a smile to everyone’s faces and he always had a smile on his face,” Marylin said.

Matthew died after getting hit by a car on County Road 209 in Lawrence County, leaving his family, heartbroken and devastated.

“He’d brighten the room when he’d walk in. He was just a good person. If you needed him, he’d be there for ya,” Marylin said.

Mariah Kelley, Matthew’s little sister, says she had a close bond with her brother.

“He was always there for me, every time I was in trouble, every time I needed him, he was there,” Mariah said.

Sunday morning, changed his family’s lives forever, and as for the driver responsible, it’s unknown.

“I wish they would’ve stopped, and checked on him. Maybe that person could’ve helped him and he could’ve been here, but instead he’s gone because they never stopped,” Mariah said.

Trooper Brandon Bailey with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says hit-and-runs are happening too frequently.

“We are seeing a rise in people leaving the scene and we want you to know once again: It’s zero tolerance when it comes to that,” Trooper Bailey said.

This is the second deadly hit-and-run in a span of just a few days. Another hit-and-run happened on Saturday in Muscle Shoals, claiming the life of 25 year old, Jamaya Shanes .

“It is a felony, especially if that person is injured. That’s the case of being a felony, because by driving and you’re involved in a wreck, it’s your duty by law to leave your information or stay at the scene,” Trooper Bailey said.

Matthew’s mother, Marylin, has a message for her the person behind the wheel of that vehicle.

“It don’t matter what the circumstance is, whether you’ve been out drinking or if you’ve been out working all night, at least stop and see what you’ve hit,” Marylin said. “Don’t just keep going because I know in this situation it probably wouldn’t have saved him but it would’ve showed compassion.”

If you or someone you know have any information regarding this incident, please call the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.