Car rolled 75 yards down hill, killing child at Seattle middle school
12-year-old hit, killed outside Washington Middle School in Seattle
Seattle Police said the vehicle was unattended and had failed to be placed in park, causing it to roll backwards and strike the student.
SEATTLE - Police are investigating after a 12-year-old was hit and killed by a car outside Washington Middle School in Seattle.
What we know:
According to a statement from Seattle Public Schools, a student was walking to recess shortly after second lunch, when they were fatally struck by a car. Washington Middle School was put under a shelter-in-place order.
The crash happened before 1:00 p.m. near the school, located on 20th Pl S and S Jackson Ave, close to the Leschi neighborhood.
Later on Thursday, officials with the Seattle Police Department said the vehicle was unattended and had failed to be placed in park, causing it to roll backwards and strike the student.
The driver of the vehicle is being evaluated for drug and alcohol use, as is standard procedure for such incidents.
What's next:
The investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident is still ongoing. It's unclear if criminal charges may be filed.
Car rolled 75 yards down hill, killing child at Seattle middle school
A 12-year-old was hit and killed by a car that rolled 75 yards down a hill near Seattle's Washington Middle School.
What they're saying:
Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones issued the following statement:
"My heart is heavy with sorrow as we face the devastating loss of a Washington Middle School student. I am deeply saddened by this tragedy, and my thoughts and condolences are with the student’s family, friends and the entire Washington community during this incredibly difficult time.
My heart breaks for those who are grieving. Please know we are here to support each other and will do everything we can to help heal and comfort those in need."
Additionally, Washington Middle School principal Adrian Manriquez wrote a letter to parents and staff:
"Today is a sad day for our school and community as we suffered the tragic loss of one of our students. One of our sixth graders was fatally struck by a vehicle while walking to recess. In response, our school went into a shelter-in-place shortly after second lunch. Because of heavy police activity in front of the school, we dismissed students early.
Although you may have seen information online, out of respect for the family's privacy, we are not sharing the name of the student. As this is an active investigation, we will not be sharing additional information about the specifics of this incident.
I know your student(s) may be experiencing feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness about this tragedy. Please know we are doing everything we can to support our students and staff.
School will be open tomorrow, and we will provide safe spaces for students who need support in coping with this tragedy."
The Source: Information in this story comes from preliminary information from the Seattle Police Department.
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