Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Daughter Brielle Pay Tribute to Family Friend Killed in Hit and Run
UPDATE: An arrest has been made in the hit and run death of Ethan McCallister, a close friend of the Biermann family.
According to an arrest report obtained by E! News on Aug. 12, Jessie Morris was taken into custody by the Atlanta Police Department at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport while arriving on a flight from the Dominican Republic.
He's since been charged with felony vehicular homicide, as well as hit and run driving resulting in serious injury or death, additional court documents obtained by E! News show. Morris was denied bond during his first court appearance.
He has not yet entered a plea. Morris' attorney did not respond to E! News' request for comment.
Following the news, Kim Zolciak-Biermann took to Instagram with a sorrowful message.
"Thank you God!! Finally justice for Ethan and his amazing family!!!" she shared. "I'm so grateful for the APD and every single one of you that sent me videos, contact info, pictures etc we truly appreciate it all. We will miss Ethan until we meet again.."
Get more details on the tragic accident below.
______
Kim Zolciak-Biermann and her 24-year-old daughter Brielle Biermann are mourning the loss of their family friend, Ethan McCallister.
On Saturday, April 3, the Bravo stars shared special tributes on Instagram to express their heartache over their loved ones' death. E! News can confirm that Ethan passed away in the early hours of April 3 after being hit by a vehicle in Atlanta, Ga. He was just 28 years old.
Celebrity Deaths: 2021's Fallen Stars
"Ethan.... i can't believe I'm even writing this. I'm sick sick sick to my stomach," Brielle shared on Instagram. "You are my happiness my joy my light in this very dark world.. the life of the party and the sweetest soul I've been blessed to know. You are my best friend. My heart. My everything. There will never be another you. Ever ever ever. You came into this world with 1 mission... make people smile. You were damn good at it too. There was never a moment i wasn't laughing with you!!"
The reality TV personality also explained how she and Ethan have been inseparable these past few months.
"We haven't spent a weekend apart all year," she added. "How am i supposed to go anywhere without you? How am i supposed to laugh, smile, GO TO MIAMI OR DRINK 1942 WITHOUT YOU!? God i love you ethan. I really really do. I can't wait to see you again."
Additionally, Kim took to her Instagram page to honor the 28-year-old.
"We will miss your huge beautiful smile, constant jokes, cowboy boots and infamous shirts," the Don't Be Tardy star captioned her post. "You were always the life of the party!! One of the most genuine kind hearted people I have ever known. Always willing to help anyone anywhere. We love you Ethan and I will make sure justice is served."
Kim then asked her followers to alert the authorities if they "know anything" regarding Ethan's death.
According to the Atlanta Police Department, around 3 a.m. ET officers responded to a report that a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle at the northeast section of Piedmont Ave. and Lindbergh Dr. Once authorities arrived, they discovered an adult male was lying down in the roadway after being struck by a dark-colored Range Rover that they said left the scene.
At this time, the investigation is ongoing.
(This story was originally published on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 3:57 p.m. PST)
