News Summary
A significant breakthrough occurred in a hit-and-run incident that took the life of 5-year-old Aiyanna McCoy almost two years ago. 35-year-old Yosefi Arabu was arrested and charged with several offenses related to the crash involving a silver Mercedes and a white Nissan. The crash resulted in Aiyanna’s tragic death and left her aunt critically injured, while her sisters suffered minor injuries. Investigations revealed the Mercedes was speeding before the collision, and police are continuing to seek further evidence and suspects.
Orlando, Florida – A significant development occurred in the tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 5-year-old Aiyanna McCoy nearly two years ago. On August 26, 2025, 35-year-old Yosefi Arabu was arrested, charged with several serious offenses linked to the crash that took place on November 11, 2023.
The incident involved a silver Mercedes C300 and a white Nissan Pathfinder. Aiyanna was traveling in the Nissan Uber with her aunt and two sisters when the vehicles collided. The crash occurred on North Orange Blossom Trail near Ace Road in Orlando. During the collision, Aiyanna was tragically ejected from the Pathfinder and later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Her aunt sustained critical injuries while her two sisters, aged 4 and 9, experienced minor injuries. Fortunately, the Uber driver was unharmed.
Following the crash, the driver of the Mercedes fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle. Witnesses reported that two individuals exited the Mercedes; one removed the license plate before they were picked up by another car. The vehicle was determined to be inoperable due to the crash.
According to police investigations, the Mercedes was traveling at an alarming speed of 130 mph just five seconds before impact and was still going 101 mph when it collided with the Pathfinder. In their quest for evidence, investigators collected DNA samples and discovered items linked to the case, including bloody tissues.
Aiyanna’s father expressed his gratitude for the arrest, reflecting on the emotional burden carried by the family during the past two years. The Orlando Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit has been instrumental in this investigation, working diligently to bring justice for Aiyanna’s family. They obtained a search warrant for the address registered to the Mercedes, where the previously removed license plate was found hidden between a mattress and a box spring.
A witness who was a passenger in the Mercedes indicated she was aware of the vehicle’s excessive speed and advised Arabu to slow down prior to the crash. As a result of the incident and subsequent investigation, Arabu faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash with death, and reckless driving leading to serious injuries, among others. He is charged with a total of seven counts related to these offenses.
Aiyanna’s Legacy
Aiyanna was a kindergartner at Orange Center Elementary School, remembered fondly for her love of dance, singing, and gymnastics. Her joyful spirit left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Ongoing Investigation
While only Arabu has been arrested, the investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement officials have not ruled out the possibility of further charges or additional suspects in connection with this incident.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Aiyanna McCoy, a bright young life taken too soon, as the pursuit of justice remains a priority for her family and the Orlando Police Department.
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Additional Resources
- Click Orlando
- Fox 35 Orlando
- WESH
- WFTV
- Hoodline
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
- Google Search: hit-and-run incidents
- Google Scholar: vehicular homicide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: vehicular homicide
- Google News: Aiyanna McCoy
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
