Family members are remembering a published children's book teen author who died from his injuries suffered in a hit-and-run in the Hamptons.

Devesh Samtani, 18, was scheduled to start New York University this week as a freshman. Instead, his family is mourning his death and speaking about their loss.

"My life has changed. It has changed. Everywhere I look around, I see Devu and I keep questioning, why? Why did my son get hit?" said his mother, Mala Samtani.

"He was the brightest star," said his aunt, Jennifer Kurani.

Davesh Samtani had arrived from Hong Kong just days before and was taking a vacation with his cousin and aunt before starting school.

He was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on Aug. 10 while walking with his cousin on Old Stone Highway and Eastwood Court in Amagansett. Police arrested 19-year-old Daniel Campbell, of Montauk.

"They were trying to get an Uber, but reception was not good, so they walked a bit further," Mala Samtani said.

"This person fled the scene. There was no morals, no ethics," Kurani said.

Today, his family is remembering him Davesh Samtani as a great student and already a published author who wrote a children's book on COVID-19.

"He was a part of everything that could better other people's lives," Kurani said.

The proceeds from Devesh's book will all go to charity according to his family. They also said NYU has now started a scholarship in his name. They also want the teen's legacy to live on as they try to cope with their loss.

"I talk to my son. I talk to him, Devu where are you? Come back. I send him messages every day. Only difference is I don't get a reply anymore," Mala Samtani said.

Meantime, Campbell has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, but authorities say it's likely the charges could be upgraded.