A fourth grade Sugar Mill Elementary student died Friday morning after being struck by an SUV at a crosswalk near the school, according to the Port Orange Police Department.
The girl, who was riding her bike across a crosswalk, was struck shortly after 7 a.m. near the entrance to the school by an SUV, Port Orange Police Chief Manuel Marino said during a press conference on Friday afternoon.
“What a horrific event today that affects not only obviously our Port Orange community, but all the families and Sugar Mill Elementary community – the students, the parents, the faculty,” Chief Marino said. “Our condolences go out to them, but really to the family of the student that was struck and killed today. Such a tragic event here, close to the end of the school year.”
The fourth grader, who has not been identified at this time, was transported to a hospital in Daytona Beach where she died from her injuries, police said. The extent of her injuries is unknown at this time.
Police are still trying to figure out how and why the crash happened.
Chief Marino said the police department is working on canvassing the nearby neighborhood for anyone who may have either witnessed the crash or has doorbell camera video of it.
What police do know is that the crash happened within a school zone on the eastern edge of the school’s property, although they are still trying to figure out how fast the driver was going. The girl was riding her bike across the crosswalk when the SUV hit her, police said. A crossing guard wasn’t present at the intersection.
The driver remained on the scene, but was so “distraught” that police weren’t able to get much information. At this time, no criminal charges have been filed, and police are working to determine if there will be any at all.
It also remains unclear at this time if the driver was a parent at the school, but they appeared to be dropping someone off at the school, Chief Marino said.
Chief Marino said there will be an increased police presence at the school through the end of the school year, which ends next Friday, May 31.
The girl’s family responded to the hospital and are also working with the Victim’s Advocate Office, police said.
Anyone with additional information should contact Port Orange Police.
“A heartbreaking loss for a family that got the worst news imaginable today. My sincere condolences and prayers are with them and the Sugar Mill Elementary student body and staff,” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said in a statement on X.
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Source: Fox35orlando
