Columbia native dies week after hit-and-run crash; suspect rearrested for homicide
By: Sarah Wilson
ORLANDO, Fla. – Hours after friends and family gathered at UCF for a prayer vigil in her honor Friday night, UCF senior London Harrell was pronounced dead and the man suspected of striking her in a hit-and-run crash was rearrested, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Investigators said Harrell, 21, was struck before 1 a.m. June 22 on Napiers Circle and Pasteur Drive near UCF. Troopers said the driver, Yousuf Hasan, 25, is accused of hitting her and then fleeing the scene.
Investigators said Hasan hit a car on Mendel Drive and left that scene prior to hitting the woman.
Troopers said they found Hasan sleeping behind the car in a parking lot on University Boulevard.
Troopers said Hasan had bloodshot, glassy eyes, slurred speech and was stumbling and swaying while walking to the breath testing room. They said Hasan failed field sobriety tests but his Breathalyzer tests showed a blood alcohol content of .000.
FHP officials said they believe Hasan was under the influence of drugs.
READ: Arrest made: UCF student fights for her life after hit-and-run crash, FHP says
Investigators arrested Hasan on Sunday, and he was out on bond prior to being rearrested Friday night. Troopers said his charges have been upgraded to DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
Hasan made his second court apprearance on Saturday, where a judge set his total bond at $75,000. If he is released on bond, the judge said he will have to give up his passport and will not be able to drive or travel outside of Orange County.
On Friday night, dozens of people had gathered at the Reflecting Pond on the UCF campus to pray for Harrell. People were asked to bring pictures and memorabilia of Harrell to help send positive energy in her fight for her life.
Her father, Mike Harrell, said his daughter may not survive but thanked those who showed up in support.
“Thank you for being here tonight,” he told the crowd. “We love you all. London loved UCF. She loved Orlando.”
