USA student killed in accident

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile Police are investigating a deadly accident that claimed the life of 18-year-old Xavier Penn and, meanwhile, a family is morning the loss of their child.

“It's hard. It's hard for any parents to have to bury their child before them,” said Xavier’s mother, Tanya Penn.

Mobile Fire Rescue officials said they received a call of a person struck by a vehicle at 3:21 a.m. Tuesday at the Winn-Dixie near Schillinger Road and Ziegler Blvd. When they arrived on the scene, Xavier Penn was dead.

Penn said her son, an upcoming sophomore at the University of South Alabama, left home with a friend around 2 a.m. Tuesday.

“He was one of the ones I had not met. Most of his friends I have met or have spoken with,” Penn said.

She never thought it was the last time she would speak with her son.

“Had he listened to me when I told him not to go, I'd be looking at him now, in this house,” Penn said.

Mobile Police remained on the scene for several hours, but have not released many details surrounding the accident.

“It had been reported he was lying in the roadway,” said Mobile Police spokesperson, Chris Levy. “Drugs and alcohol for the driver are not going to be part of the incident.”

Levy says a toxicology report will be performed.

Penn said she found her son's keys in the Winn Dixie parking lot, not far from where police said they found his body. Right now, she said she wants answers from the friend who last saw her son.

“I believe there is some information that has been put out there to some family members or other people in the community. Right now, we're asking for help from the public,” said Levy.

If you have any information, call Mobile Police at (251) 208-1700.