SAN ANTONIO -- A child playing with the Christmas gift she wanted most was hit and killed on the northwest side Tuesday morning.

Seven-year-old Jackie Solis and her brother were riding their new bikes on the 300 block of Basswood Drive and Deniece Street when the girl was hit by a passing vehicle.

The unidentified driver told police he didn’t see the child riding. Police said the driver stopped immediately and tried to help.

“The driver is extremely distraught,” a police spokesman said. “He’s just having a very difficult time coming to grips with what’s occurred here today -- as we are.”

Throughout the day, people placed cards, flowers and stuffed animals at a makeshift memorial where the child died. A candlelight vigil was held Tuesday evening. Overcome with grief during the vigil, Jackie's mother knelt on the sidewalk and cried.

After Jackie got her new bike, she went outside to ride with her brother. Police said the brother went inside for water and Jackie kept riding. She was staying on the sidewalk, police said, but rode into the road to turn around. That's when a passing vehicle hit her. Police said Jackie, who was not wearing a helmet, died from severe head injuries.

Raul Guerra, Jackie's uncle, said his niece was a cheerful and outgoing girl.

"She was very active with all the little kids in the community," Guerra said. "She was just a joy."

Guerra said Jackie's parents are stricken with grief.

"It's just a real tragedy," he said.

Police called Jackie's death an accident and have not prepared any charges against the driver.