Teen walking home from funeral struck and killed in Queens hit-and-run

CORONA, Queens (WABC) -- A 17-year-old was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Queens late Tuesday.

"It's just, it's sad," a friend said.

"It's crazy because he just went away just like that," another friend said.

Loved ones and friends say a small memorial pales in comparison to the bright light 17-year-old Ovidio Jaremello reflected into so many lives before his own life was tragically taken at Northern and Junction Boulevards by a hit and run driver Tuesday night.

"He was a really good person to a lot of people," said Sebastian Tejada, the victim's friend.

"He was just starting, it was just the beginning of his life, and it wasn't the ending that he didn't deserve at all," said Leslie Deleon, the victim's friend.

An only child and junior at St. John's High School, family members say Ovidio was walking home from a funeral when he was struck by a black Toyota Camry just before 11 p.m.

"Today, he would've been in school," his grandmother said through a translator. "He never missed school."

While some witnesses say Ovidio was crossing against the light, police say the driver of the car never stopped after the collision and continued west on Northern Boulevard before disappearing.

"It really hurts me, because it could've been any of my kids," a resident said.

Now the search for that driver continues as police posted signs in the area hoping to generate tips.

Neighbors are calling for more cameras near what they believe is a dangerous intersection.

Meanwhile, friends and loved ones say they're holding onto the precious memories they shared with Ovidio.

"I just don't understand how someone could take a life like that, and as of now feel no remorse," a friend said.

No arrests were immediately made.