14-year-old Jasmyn Chan was with a 12-year-old friend when they were both hit by a car.
Jasmyn died from the impact and her friend was taken to hospital after suffering serious injuries.
The 14-year-old school girl was described as an ‘active, friendly and giving person.’
According to The Mirror, initial accounts suggest that Jasmyn gave her own life to save that of her friend’s.
The incident took place in the Normanton Hill area near Sheffield last night.
South Yorkshire Police are now searching for the driver of the car, thought to be a dark coloured Volkswagon or Honda.
Chief Inspector Stuart Walne said following the shocking incident: ‘We urgently need to find the driver of this car. This is a tragic situation that has taken a young life and seriously affected another.’
‘If you were the driver of this car please contact police immediately. There may have been reasons that you didn’t stop last night, but now a girl has died and we need to speak to you.’
‘The car is likely to be damaged from the collision. Have you noticed a small dark car that is damaged on your street this morning? Are your friends and family acting out of character today? Were they out in their car last night? ‘
He added: ‘If you have any information that could help us please call 101.’