The family of a Norwegian teenager who was killed in a hit-and-run near Mijas have flown out to Spain.
Nikoline Piwoni Høie, 17, was found dead on the A-7 near La Cala following a night out with her friends at the Funky Buddha nightclub in Puerto Banus, Marbella.
The youngster, from Arendal, Norway, had been holidaying on the Costa del Sol with part of her family when she was fatally struck in the early hours of Monday morning.
A spokesperson for the family confirmed that her father, stepmother and two siblings have now arrived in Spain to be together following the tragedy.
‘They are struggling to come to terms with the fact that a family member has died,’ family spokesman Finn Greve-Isdahl told Norwegian broadcaster TV2.
He said the family has been in contact with the Norwegian Consulate and their insurance company for assistance, while asking for privacy as they grieve.
Driver still not found
The Guardia Civil is continuing to investigate the incident as a traffic collision, but officers have yet to identify either the vehicle or the driver involved.
Investigators are analysing CCTV footage and other evidence gathered from the area but have declined to comment further while enquiries continue.
Police have previously said the driver could face additional criminal charges because they allegedly failed to stop after the collision and fled the scene.
Had watched Norway match
According to investigators, Nikoline had spent Sunday evening watching Norway’s match against Brazil before joining celebrations with other Norwegian supporters in Puerto Banus.
Police believe she later travelled back towards the area where she was staying in a taxi, Uber or another ride-hailing vehicle.
After getting out of the car, she was struck while crossing a multi-lane road carrying fast-moving traffic towards Marbella at around 5.30am on Monday.
When Nikoline failed to return, her family reported her missing. Police later realised that an unidentified victim found after the collision matched the description of the missing teenager.
Nikoline was a member of Norway’s Young Conservatives, who paid tribute to her this week, describing her death as a devastating loss.
Spain’s authorities continue to appeal for information as they work to identify the driver involved.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
