1 dead, 1 critical after girls struck by car in Lehigh Co.

EMMAUS, Pa. (WPVI) -- Two little girls were struck by a vehicle in Emmaus, Lehigh County on Monday, killing one and critically injuring the other.

Police say 11-year-old Abigail Zukowski, a fifth grader at Jefferson Elementary School, is dead.

Abigail was walking with her other close friend, 10-year-old Mya Walrath, who was critically injured.

The girls were hit by a vehicle yesterday afternoon while crossing the intersection of 6th and Chestnut streets.

Their friend Arlie Hoffman spoke of Abigail, saying, "She was someone special."

Arlie says the most chilling part is that she was supposed to be with Abigail and Mya when the accident happened.

"It heart broke me knowing I just saw her the other day. I was supposed to hang out with her, and it tears me inside," she said.

Meanwhile, Mya's grandmother, Elaine Jackson, tells us there's no update tonight on her granddaughter's prognosis, who remains in critical condition at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Elaine says, "It is a head fracture. We don't know if there's going to be any brain damage yet... too early to tell."

Witnesses say the driver did stop and was processed by police.

Local investigators would only tell us that the investigation is ongoing and that any pending charges have not yet been filed.

Meanwhile, Arlie Hoffman says Abigail will be remembered as a loving friend with a big heart.

"She made everyone feel special. And I think she should still be here today. She died at a young age, and it hurts," Arlie said.

And Elaine Jackson has a message for all parents and grandparents: "If you are near your grandchildren, hug them every day. You never know when they're going to be gone. Their lives are precious."

Fundraisers to help bother families are in the process of being organized.

The school district says they will have a crisis management team available this week to students, staff and families.