Indianapolis - The victim of a hit and run accident has died as a result of injuries she sustained.
Amanda Tames' death will affect the charges the prosecutor will file against the driver involved in the crash, Robert Gaines of Greenwood.
More than 200 people attended Tuesday's vigil for the 20-year-old, who was hit earlier this week as she rode her bicycle in the 5600 block of Gray Road.
Tames was a student at DePaul University in Chicago. She was in critical condition and on life support at Methodist Hospital until Tuesday. Her Southport family says they plan to donate the organs of their daughter.
Family and friends brought songs and memories to the vigil Tuesday, and Tames' parents were comforted by the more than 200 people who came to Gray Road to honor their daughter, a young woman with everything to look forward to. Many of those in attendance left mementos at the telephone pole where Tames' body was found Sunday night.
"This is an incredible testament to the way Amanda touched so many lives," Tames' father said.
"If anyone has a story to share, I've heard so many great stories already I just can't get enough," Tames' mother said.
Tames' friend Claire Armbruster said, "She made an impact and it was a good impact to all those that were around her."
Tames' boyfriend of two years spoke about the way she touched his life.
"She's the most remarkable person I've ever met," he said. "Just an amazing person. I loved everything about her."
Police have asked their own questions and found some answers Monday with the discovery of a damaged pick-up truck at a local body shop. Investigators say the truck was a match with broken truck parts found at the accident scene. With that match came the arrest of the truck's owner, 52-year-old Robert Gaines, who is now charged with the hit and run.
Gaines told investigators Monday that he had been at a restaurant watching football until 8 p.m. Sunday, then traced his route home, which included Gray Road. He was read his Miranda rights when the timeline of his story and the accident matched.
Officers then asked Gaines to tell them what he had done that night. He told them he was at the Fireside Brewhouse with friends and had "one Bloody Mary and five beers" prior to leaving the restaurant. He said no one else drove his truck that night and was then placed under arrest.
According to the police report of the accident, Gaines told an officer that he did not notice the damage to his 2008 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up until he parked at work Monday morning. After noticing the damage, he said contacted his insurance company and made arrangements to get the truck repaired.
"Gaines stated to investigators he had been in control of that vehicle at the time of the accident, he had been in the 5600 block of Gray Road at that time. However, he denies hitting anything," said IMPD Sgt. Paul Thompson.
Police were able to determine the make and model of his truck from pieces gathered at the scene of the crash. A local car dealership contacted body shops in the area and located Gaines' vehicle.
"He's trying to bring up the excuse that he doesn't remember it happening, but I wish he would man up and take responsibility for his actions," Tames' friend Rigo Gonzalez said. "It's a shame."
But Tuesday night, the focus was not on Gaines, but on a young woman who touched so many lives, and who won't soon be forgotten because of the way friends say she lived her life to the fullest.
"She was just beautiful," Armbruster said. "Inside and out."
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