UPDATE: The family of 11-year-old Jayla Braxton is demanding justice following her tragic death while crossing the street in Las Vegas on November 21, 2025. The incident, which occurred just before 5:20 PM, has ignited outrage after police accused the young girl of jaywalking.
Eyewitnesses report that Jayla was struck by a 29-year-old driver near Lake Mead Boulevard and M.L.K. Boulevard, an area currently undergoing heavy road construction. Despite police claims that she was outside the designated crosswalk, Jayla’s family insists she was following previously established guidelines before construction altered the area.
Virginia Braxton, Jayla’s grandmother, expressed her frustration, stating, “Our children are taught well. 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 crash occurred as Jayla was walking home from cheerleading practice with a classmate from West Preparatory Academy. Witnesses say the driver attempted to brake and swerve to avoid the collision, but the tragic outcome was inevitable.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department released a video showing the aftermath of the tragic crash, emphasizing the urgency of road safety. “This cannot keep happening,” the caption read. “This is a heartbreaking, preventable tragedy and another reminder of how quickly lives are taken on our roadways.” The incident marks the 141st traffic-related fatality in the Las Vegas jurisdiction this year.
Jayla’s mother, Earlene Braxton, shared her grief, stating, “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.”
Police Sergeant Rich Rundell addressed the public, urging parents to teach their children about roadway safety. “I’m tired of coming out on these calls where I’m having to report to parents that they just lost their kids,” he said. The department has reiterated the importance of vigilance from both drivers and pedestrians, stressing that “safety is not optional.”
In response to the unexpected tragedy, Jayla’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with unforeseen expenses. As of Friday afternoon, they have raised $6,195 of their $10,000 goal.
The public is left to question how such a tragedy could occur in a construction zone and what measures will be implemented to prevent future incidents. Local authorities are under pressure to reassess safety protocols in areas impacted by construction to protect vulnerable pedestrians, especially children.
As the community mourns the loss of a vibrant young girl, calls for accountability and change are growing louder. This heartbreaking incident serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures in Las Vegas and beyond.
