Four-Year-Old Girl Killed in Shocking Birmingham Pavement Crash
A joyful little girl’s life was cut short after a car mounted the pavement and ploughed into pedestrians in Birmingham. The heartbreaking tragedy has left a community reeling.
Cheerful Mayar Struck Down After Eid Celebration
Just hours after celebrating Eid with family and friends, four-year-old Mayar Yahia was hit by a reckless Vauxhall Corsa on Upper Highgate Street on the evening of 14 April 2024. Described as “cheerful and bright,” Mayar was out walking with her family when the dangerous driver overtook a Mercedes and smashed onto the pavement, striking Mayar and other pedestrians.
Despite desperate attempts by paramedics, Mayar died at the scene. Two women were seriously injured in the crash.
Driver Arrested and Jailed for Nearly Five Years
Just 30 minutes after the horror, 23-year-old Javonnie Tavener returned to the scene and was swiftly arrested. He claimed another man forced him into the car, but police later uncovered online searches he made about driving negligence months after the incident, contradicting his claims of not owning a phone.
Tavener pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving, driving uninsured, and two charges of causing serious injury by careless driving.
At Birmingham Crown Court on 13 March, he was sentenced to three years and 10 months for the crash. An additional 18 months for an unrelated assault brought his total jail term to five years and four months. He was also banned from driving for six years.
Family Pays Emotional Tribute to ‘Extraordinary’ Mayar
“Mayar was an extraordinary child. She was full of love and always smiling, kind to everyone and made friends easily,” her family said.
“She was cheerful and bright, bringing happiness to everyone around her at home, school and in the community.”
“There are no words to describe how special she was or how much we miss her.”
“Losing Mayar has been the most painful experience of our lives. It’s not just our loss; it’s a loss to her friends and the whole community.”
“We hope this tragedy reminds everyone to drive safely and responsibly. No one deserves to lose a loved one like this.”
“Mayar will always be in our hearts.”
